Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 2025 Biology Question 8

Practice essay / theory question 8 from the 2025 Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers Coordination .

Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 2025 Biology Essay / Theory
Topic: Coordination
Question 8 IJMB_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2025 • BIOLOGY • essay

A physiologist investigates the coordination of voluntary movement in a 20‑year‑old athlete during a complex jumping task.

Question Parts

( a )
Outline the neural pathway from the primary motor cortex to the skeletal muscles that execute the jump. In your answer describe the roles of upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons and the neuromuscular junction, and give the chronological sequence of events from cortical activation to muscle contraction.
( b )
After a 30‑minute high‑intensity sprint, the athlete’s jump height falls by about 15 %. Explain, using the concepts of motor‑unit recruitment, peripheral fatigue and proprioceptive feedback, why performance declines. Discuss how the central nervous system attempts to compensate for peripheral fatigue.
( c )
Design a practical experimental protocol to assess the contribution of the cerebellum to the coordination of the jumping task. Include (i) a method for transiently disrupting cerebellar function, (ii) the variables that would be measured, and (iii) the expected changes in performance if cerebellar coordination is impaired. Justify each step of your protocol.

Detailed Solution & Marking Scheme

Get the step-by-step solution, key points required by examiners and detailed marking guidance through the Edcrib AI Tutor.

Reveal Answer

About This Question

This is Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 2025 Biology Question 8. It is one of the essay questions from the 2025 Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers Coordination .

Master the Exam!

You've seen a preview, but there are thousands more questions plus AI tutor to break down complex solutions.

Unlock Full Access Available for Android & Windows
Chat with Support