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IB Biology HL B3.2.3 Artery Adaptations Questions

Explore how thick collagen-reinforced walls, elastic recoil and smooth-muscle regulation protect arteries and maintain blood flow under changing pressure in IB Biology HL B3.2.3.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Explain how thick arterial walls and collagen provide strength and prevent rupture under high blood pressure.
  • Explain how elastic fibres stretch and recoil to smooth pulse pressure and maintain continuous arterial flow.
  • Relate smooth-muscle contraction in arteries and arterioles to regulation of blood distribution and lumen diameter.

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Study B3.2.3—Artery adaptations conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Biology HL B3.2.3 Artery Adaptations Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Hypertension (blood pressure exceeding 140 mmHg ) affects millions of people worldwide. Many modern societies consume more sodium in the form of salt (NaCl) than is required for normal physiology. The effect of changing the levels of dietary sodium has been studied in various organisms.

Scientists recorded the blood pressure changes in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) fed a diet without added sodium (control) or a sodium supplemented diet (experimental) as follows
- 5 grams of salt per day from December 1991 until May 1992
- 10 grams of salt per day until June 1992
- 15 grams of salt per day until August 1993
after which no more salt was added to the diet until the experiment ended.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL B3.2.3 Artery Adaptations Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Blood pressure is measured in the arteries. Explain how arteries are adapted to withstand increases in blood pressure.

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