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

9295 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of evolution by natural selection as developed by Charles Darwin in the 1800s.


Charles Darwin found that finches from different islands had different sized beaks. Explain why one island may have finches with large short beaks and another may have finches with long thin beaks.


What is the equation for respiration?


Describe how a sperm cell is adapted to its role (4 marks).


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