Physiology and Sports– Class 12 Physical Education Notes
Physiology
Physiology is the branch of science that studies how the organs, systems, tissues, cells and molecules of the human body function and work together to maintain the internal environment.
Definition:
Physiology is the study of how the human body functions.
Physiology helps in understanding how physical fitness can be achieved and how sports performance can be improved.
Gender Differences in Physical and Physiological Parameters
Physical Parameters
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Taller | Shorter |
| Body Mass | More | Less |
| Body Fat | Less | More |
| Lean Body Mass | More | Less |
| Strength | More | Less |
| Endurance | High | Comparatively less |
| Flexibility | Less | More |
| Coordination & Agility | Less | More |
Muscular System
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Mass | More | Less |
| Muscle Composition | More fast-twitch fibres | More slow-twitch fibres |
| Bones & Ligaments | Longer and stronger | Less strong but better balance |
Cardiovascular System
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Output | Higher | Lower |
| Heart Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Stroke Volume | More | Less |
| VO₂ Max | Higher | Lower |
Respiratory System
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Lung Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Tidal Volume | More | Less |
| Respiratory Function | Better due to more haemoglobin | Less efficient |
Physiological Factors Determining Components of Physical Fitness
Components of Physical Fitness
Muscular Strength
Maximum force a muscle or muscle group can exert against resistance.Power
Ability to apply maximum force in the shortest possible time.Speed
Ability to perform movements quickly over a short distance.Muscular Endurance
Ability of muscles to perform repeated contractions for a long time.Agility
Ability to change direction quickly while maintaining body control.Flexibility
Ability of joints to move through a complete range of motion.
Physiological Factors Affecting Fitness
Size of Muscle: Larger muscles produce greater strength
Body Weight: Heavier athletes generally show greater strength
Muscle Composition: Fast-twitch fibres help in power and speed; slow-twitch fibres help in endurance
Intensity of Nerve Impulse: More motor units activated → greater force
Metabolic Power: Depends on energy-producing enzymes
Aerobic Capacity: Better oxygen supply increases endurance
Joint Structure: Determines range of motion and flexibility
Age and Gender: Flexibility decreases with age; females are more flexible than males
Effects of Exercise on Cardiovascular System
Cardiac Output
Amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
Formula:
Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume
At rest: 4–6 L/min
During exercise: 20–40 L/min
Heart Rate
Number of heartbeats per minute
Normal resting heart rate: ~72 beats/min
Increases during exercise
Stroke Volume
Blood pumped by the heart in one beat
Untrained male: 70–90 mL/beat
Trained athlete: 100–120 mL/beat
Blood Flow
Exercise increases plasma volume
Blood supply increases to working muscles
Blood flow decreases to kidneys and digestive organs during intense exercise
Effects of Exercise on Respiratory System
Lung Volume: Increases with endurance training
Breathing Frequency: Decreases after training
Minute Ventilation: Increases
Tidal Volume: Increases
Ventilatory Efficiency: Improves with training
Pulmonary Diffusion: Better gas exchange in alveoli
Effects of Exercise on Muscular System
Increased Blood Flow: Up to 25 times during intense exercise
Respiration: ATP is broken into ADP to provide energy
Muscle Size: Increases with regular and intense exercise
Blood Supply: Increased capillaries and blood vessels
Muscle Coordination: Improves with repetitive practice
Muscle Biochemistry:
Increase in mitochondria
Increase in enzyme activity
Long-Term Effects of Exercise
Increase in heart size
Increase in stroke volume
Decrease in cholesterol level
Increase in number and efficiency of capillaries
Reduced risk of heart diseases
Physiological Changes Due to Ageing
Muscle Size and Strength
Decline in muscle mass and strength due to reduced protein synthesis
Accumulation of Body Fat
Increased fat storage
Reduced ability to mobilise fat for energy
Respiratory System
Reduced lung function
Decreased oxygen uptake
Cardiovascular System
Decrease in heart size
Reduced left ventricular capacity
Nervous System
Slower reaction time
Reduced nerve transmission
Bone Density
Decreases with age
Higher risk of fractures
Role of Physical Activity in Maintaining Functional Fitness in Old Age
Regular physical activity:
Delays fatigue
Maintains strength and endurance
Improves balance and coordination
Keeps body active and efficient
Slows down the ageing process
Ageing is a gradual process and regular exercise helps in maintaining fitness and independence for a longer period.
✍️ Top 10 Short Question–Answers
Q1. What is physiology?
👉 Physiology is the study of how the human body functions.
Q2. Why is physiology important in sports?
👉 It helps improve physical fitness and sports performance.
Q3. Name any one physical difference between males and females.
👉 Males generally have more muscle mass than females.
Q4. What is muscular strength?
👉 Ability of muscles to exert maximum force against resistance.
Q5. What is power in physical fitness?
👉 Ability to apply maximum force in minimum time.
Q6. What is cardiac output?
👉 Amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
Q7. Write the formula of cardiac output.
👉 Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume.
Q8. What is VO₂ max?
👉 Maximum oxygen consumption during intense exercise.
Q9. What happens to heart rate during exercise?
👉 It increases.
Q10. Name one long-term effect of regular exercise.
👉 Increase in heart size.
📝 Long Answer Questions
Q1. Explain gender differences in physical and physiological parameters.
There are clear differences between males and females:
Physical parameters: Males are taller, stronger and have less body fat; females are more flexible.
Muscular system: Males have more muscle mass; females have more slow-twitch fibres.
Cardiovascular system: Males have higher cardiac output and VO₂ max.
Respiratory system: Males have larger lungs and better respiratory efficiency.
Q2. Explain physiological factors determining components of physical fitness.
Physical fitness depends on:
Size of muscle
Body weight
Muscle composition (fast and slow twitch fibres)
Intensity of nerve impulse
Metabolic power
Aerobic capacity
Joint structure
Age and gender
Q3. Explain effects of exercise on cardiovascular system.
Exercise causes:
Increase in cardiac output
Increase in heart rate and stroke volume
Better blood flow to working muscles
Reduced blood flow to digestive organs during intense activity
Q4. Describe effects of exercise on respiratory and muscular systems.
Respiratory system:
Increased lung volume
Increased tidal volume
Improved ventilatory efficiency
Muscular system:
Increased muscle size
Better blood supply
Increased mitochondria and enzyme activity
Improved muscle coordination
Q5. Explain physiological changes due to ageing and role of physical activity.
With ageing:
Muscle strength decreases
Body fat increases
Lung and heart efficiency reduces
Reaction time slows
Bone density decreases
Role of physical activity:
Maintains strength and endurance
Improves balance and coordination
Delays fatigue
Slows ageing process
📝 Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs ONLY)
🔹 Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
What is physiology?
Write one importance of physiology in sports.
What is muscular strength?
Define power.
What is cardiac output?
Write the formula of cardiac output.
What is VO₂ max?
Name one component of physical fitness.
What happens to heart rate during exercise?
Write one long-term effect of regular exercise.
🔹 Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)
Differentiate between male and female physical parameters.
Explain muscular endurance.
What is agility?
Write any two physiological factors affecting physical fitness.
Explain the effect of exercise on heart rate and stroke volume.
Write any two effects of exercise on respiratory system.
Explain muscle composition and its role in performance.
Write any two long-term effects of exercise.
What changes occur in blood flow during exercise?
Write any two physiological changes due to ageing.
🔹 Long Answer Questions (4–5 Marks)
Explain gender differences in physical and physiological parameters.
Explain physiological factors determining components of physical fitness.
Explain the effects of exercise on cardiovascular system.
Describe the effects of exercise on respiratory system.
Explain the effects of exercise on muscular system.
Explain physiological changes due to ageing.
Explain the role of physical activity in maintaining functional fitness in old age.
❓ FAQs (5)
FAQ 1. Why do trained athletes have higher stroke volume?
👉 Due to stronger heart muscles.
FAQ 2. How does exercise affect cholesterol level?
👉 It helps reduce cholesterol.
FAQ 3. Why does endurance improve with training?
👉 Due to better oxygen supply and aerobic capacity.
FAQ 4. Why is flexibility higher in females?
👉 Due to joint structure and hormonal factors.
FAQ 5. Can ageing effects be delayed?
👉 Yes, with regular physical activity.
| Chapter No. | Chapter Name | Visit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning in Sports | Visit |
| 2 | Sports and Nutrition | Visit |
| 3 | Yoga and Lifestyle | Visit |
| 4 | Physical Education and Sports for CWSN (Divyangs) | Visit |
| 5 | Children and Sports | Visit |
| 6 | Women and Sports | Visit |
| 7 | Test and Measurement in Sports | Visit |
| 8 | Physiology and Sports | Visit |
| 9 | Sports Medicine | Visit |
| 10 | Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Sports | Visit |
| 11 | Psychology and Sports | Visit |
| 12 | Training in Sports | Visit |
0 Comments