CourseCourseConceptConcept

IB Biology SL C3.1 Integration of Body Systems Questions

Practise IB Biology SL C3.1 by tracing reflex arcs, interpreting brain and organ-coordination evidence, and explaining hormonal and feedback control in the body.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Explain how interacting cells, organs, and systems produce coordinated or emergent properties, including hierarchical organisation.
  • Interpret digestive-organ diagrams and blood or duct pathways linking the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and small intestine.
  • Identify hypothalamus, cerebellum, and medulla roles from brain diagrams, including appetite, coordination, balance, and involuntary control.
  • Interpret fMRI, pupil-reflex, decision-making, or contralateral-vision evidence to explain brain information integration.
  • Trace a pain-withdrawal reflex from receptor through sensory, relay, and motor neurons to a skeletal-muscle effector.
  • Relate melatonin, appetite signals, or pituitary hormones to circadian timing, feeding, or endocrine feedback.
  • Explain heart-rate control by medulla signals, autonomic nerves, adrenaline, and sinoatrial-node activity.
  • Explain CO₂/pH feedback from chemoreceptors through the medulla to ventilation and respiratory muscles.
  • Distinguish enteric control of involuntary peristalsis from CNS control of swallowing or egestion.

Question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

The diagram shows a biofilm that has formed on a tooth.

Figure for Question 1 — IB Biology SL

Using the diagram, explain the concept of emergent properties of biofilms.

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

Why do multicellular organisms have emergent properties?

A

They have more genes than unicellular organisms.

B

Properties of unicellular organisms are enhanced by having many cells.

C

All of their genes are expressed whereas unicellular organisms express only some.

D

They show properties that can only result from the interaction of many cells.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 2]

Draw a labelled diagram showing the interconnections between the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and small intestine.

Question 4

[Maximum number: 1]

The fMRI scan shows a human brain.

Figure for Question 4 — IB Biology SL

On the diagram, label the cerebellum.

Question 5

[Maximum number: 1]

The image shows a castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) which is commonly found in woodlands or forest areas. This tick can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease in humans.

Close-up photograph of a tick, showing an oval patterned body, projecting mouthparts and four pairs of jointed legs.

Some symptoms of Lyme disease are caused by damage to the central nervous system (CNS). State both parts of the CNS.
1.
2.

Question 6

[Maximum number: 1]

Between which structures do sensory neurons carry nerve impulses?

A

From effectors to the central nervous system (CNS)

B

From effectors to receptors

C

From receptors to effectors

D

From receptors to the central nervous system (CNS)

Question 7

[Maximum number: 1]

Where do motor neurons conduct impulses from and to?

A

From effectors to the central nervous system.

B

From receptors to the central nervous system.

C

From neurons to other neurons.

D

From the central nervous system to effectors.

Question 8

[Maximum number: 4]

Draw a labelled diagram of a reflex arc for a pain withdrawal reflex.

Question 9

[Maximum number: 1]

Which hormone regulates the hours of sleep and wakefulness?

A

Thyroxine

B

Insulin

C

Leptin

D

Melatonin

Question 10

[Maximum number: 1]

This micrograph shows a transverse section of an artery.

x100

x100

State one function of epinephrine in the human body.

Question 11

[Maximum number: 3]

The graph below shows the levels of hormones during the menstrual cycle.

Figure for Question 11 — IB Biology SL

Question (a)

(a)

Outline the roles of FSH in the menstrual cycle.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. During pregnancy, FSH secretion is inhibited. Suggest how FSH secretion could be inhibited during pregnancy.

[ 1 ]

Question 12

[Maximum number: 2]

The diagram shows a cross section through an artery and a vein.

Figure for Question 12 — IB Biology SL

Outline two ways in which the human body can increase the heart rate during exercise.

Question 13

[Maximum number: 3]

The fMRI scan shows a human brain.

Figure for Question 13 — IB Biology SL

Explain control of breathing rate by the structure labelled X.

Question 14

[Maximum number: 1]

What describes the control mechanisms for peristalsis that ensure coordinated passage of material through the digestive system?

A

Voluntary control by the central nervous system

B

Involuntary control by the enteric nervous system

C

Involuntary control by the central nervous system

D

Voluntary control by the enteric nervous system

All question bank results loaded