Circulatory systems: past paper questions
Real questions on circulatory systems
The newest 16 of 16 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[2]
The student counts 403 heart beats in three minutes after exercise by lifting block E. Calculate the heart rate after exercise in beats per minute.
See it on the paper → - 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(ii)[1]
Suggest why it is more accurate to count the number of heart beats for three minutes rather than just one minute.
See it on the paper → - 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(iii)[1]
Suggest why in step 5 the student waits for 15 minutes between lifting different blocks.
See it on the paper → - 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Describe the relationship between mass of the block lifted and heart rate after exercise shown in Table 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
Use information in Table 1.1 and the equation shown. percentage increase heart rate after exercise – heart rate at rest × 100 = in heart rate heart rate at rest Complete Table 1.2 by calculating the percentage increase in heart rate for lifting block A. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(ii)[2]
Explain why the student calculates the percentage increase in heart rate rather than the increase in heart rate. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0653/63 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[3]
During exercise, cells in the body produce carbon dioxide gas which is breathed out. After exercising, the student uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.2 to test the composition of the air breathed in and the gases breathed out. The student breathes in and out for 10 seconds. mouthpiece air breathed in gases breathed out...
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · October/November 2024 · Q1a(i)[2]
State the letter in Fig. 1.1 that identifies the: liver
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · October/November 2024 · Q4a(iii)[1]
Describe what happens to the flow of blood through the circulatory system during increased physical activity.
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · February/March 2024 · Q1a(i)[1]
On Fig. 1.1, draw a line and the letter L to label the liver.
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · February/March 2024 · Q1a(ii)[1]
State the name of the part labelled X shown on Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2023 · Q1b(i)[1]
State the name of gas X in Table 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2023 · Q3a(i)[1]
The firefighter is heated by the fire. State the main method of energy transfer from the fire to the firefighter.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2022 · Q4b(i)[2]
Use Fig. 4.2 to calculate the percentage increase in heart rate between 0 and 10 minutes. percentage increase in heart rate = %
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2022 · Q4b(ii)[3]
Explain the shape of the graph in Fig. 4.2 between 5 and 10 minutes.
See it on the paper → - 0653/11 · October/November 2019 · Q9[1]
What is the effect of adrenaline on the rate of breathing and pulse rate?
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates correctly identified the liver. However, some candidates did not seem to realise that they had to label the liver on the diagram.
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/42 Q1(a)(i) (Cambridge)
The correct response, carbon dioxide, was stated by most candidates. Incorrect responses included hydrogen and argon.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/33 Q1(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates were able to state the correct answer of radiation. Incorrect answers included conduction, convection and thermal.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/43 Q3(a)(i) (Cambridge)
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