Why does an increased heart rate during exercise help muscles contract?

An increased heart rate will cause an increase in blood flow around the body (increased cardiac output). This means that there will be more oxygen and more glucose being supplied to the muscles. Since oxygen and glucose are required for aerobic respiration, by increasing the blood flow to the muscles, more aerobic respiration can occur. This produces ATP, which releases the energy needed for our muscles to contract.

AD
Answered by Adam D. Biology tutor

9986 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain two ways in which the human body reacts to an increase in body temperature above the optimum.


Sickle-Cell Anemia is an example of an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. If two unaffected parents have 3 offspring, 2 of which do not have the disorder, and 1 who does, what must the parents Genotypes be?


A cell of the pancreas produces digestive enzymes, which are proteins. The enzymes are released into the small intestine. Suggest 2 adaptations to this cell's role.


Name the components/organelles of both animal & plant cells. Give a brief description of their functions.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning