IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (9–1) 0973 · Biology · 65

0654.B9.2.02 — Describe the functioning of the heart in terms of the contraction of muscles of the atria and ventricles and the action of the valves 2 Stat: past paper questions

7 real questionsasked in 4 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Describe, State, Use, Name

Real questions on 0654.b9.2.02 — describe the functioning of the heart in terms of the contraction of muscles of the atria and ventricles and the action of the valves 2 stat

The newest 7 of 7 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0973/41 · May/June 2025 · Q2b[4]
Describe how blood is moved through the heart from the pulmonary veins to the aorta. Include the names of the chambers.
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0973/31 · October/November 2022 · Q4c(ii)[1]
Use Fig. 4.1 to identify the maximum heart rate of this person. heart rate = bpm
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0973/31 · May/June 2022 · Q1b(ii)[1]
State the function of the part labelled Y in Fig. 1.2.
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0973/31 · May/June 2022 · Q1b(iv)[1]
Name the type of tissue the wall of the heart is made from.
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0973/41 · October/November 2021 · Q2a[1]
The reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen is a reversible reaction. State what is meant by a reversible reaction.
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0973/32 · May/June 2021 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Describe the function of the structure labelled E.
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0973/42 · May/June 2019 · Q7b[2]
The function of the heart is to pump blood around the body. Describe how the heart pumps blood.
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What examiners said

The question asked for a description of blood flow from the pulmonary vein to the aorta. Many candidates did not focus on this part of the cycle. As marks were only credited for this section, many quite lengthy answers did not meet the required content. The right side of the heart was frequently misidentified. Some candidates made correct references to the role of valves in the pathway. Fewer ment...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/41 Q2(b) (Cambridge)

Many candidates correctly suggested that the function of part Y (valve) is to ensure a one-way flow of blood.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0973/31 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

Muscle was well known as the type of tissue that the heart wall is made from.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0973/31 Q1(b)(iv) (Cambridge)

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In the syllabus

65 0654.B9.2.02 — Describe the functioning of the heart in terms of the contraction of muscles of the atria and ventricles and the action of the valves 2 Stat

Describe the functioning of the heart in terms of the contraction of muscles of the atria and ventricles and the action of the valves 2 State that blood is pumped away from the heart in arteries and returns to the heart in veins 3 State that the activity of the heart may be monitored by: ECG (electrocardiogram), pulse rate and listening to sounds of valves closing 4 Investigate and describe the effect of physical 8 Explain the effect of physical activity on the activity on the heart rate heart rate 5 Describe coronary heart disease in terms of the blockage of coronary arteries and state the possible risk factors including: diet, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, genetic predisposition, age and sex 6 Discuss the roles of diet and exercise in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease

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