Lecture 6 Circadian Rhythms, Exercise & Ageing

Question 1

Athletic performance typically peaks in the afternoon or early evening, coninciding with the peak in the circadian rhythm of:

A) blood pressure
B) heart rate
C) melatonin
D) core body temperature

Answer 1

D) core body temperature

Question 2

Ageing can influence the body clock. Which of the following is not a typical effect of ageing?

A) shift towards morning chronotype
B) increase in melatonin secretion
C) reduced sensitivity to light
D) decrease in the amplitude of core temperature rhythm

Answer 2

B) increase in melatonin secretion

Question 3

At what time of the day is there a peak in the incidence of cardiovascular events, coinciding with a rise in blood pressure?

A) during the morning
B) during the afternoon
C) during the evening
D) during sleep at night

Answer 3

A) during the morning

Question 4

What is the location of the master body clock?

a) Suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)
b) Nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS)
c) Rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM)
d) Paraventricular nucleus (PVN)

Answer 4

a) Suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)

Question 5

Circadian rhythms research suggests that cognitive tasks and fine motor skills are typically performed best at which time of day?

a) Morning
b) Afternoon
c) Evening
d) During the night

Answer 5

a) Morning

Question 6

When vou travel to different time zones, why does your body clock adjust quicker when travelling west?

a) It is easier to advance your body clock because it naturally runs under 24 hours without external cues
b) It is easier to delay your body clock because it naturally runs for more than 24 hours without external cues
c) There is more daylight to supress melatonin levels
d) Ambient temperatures are lower which dampens the circadian rhythm of core body temperature

Answer 6

b) It is easier to delay your body clock because it naturally runs for more than 24 hours without external cues

Question 7

Which of the following represents a typical effect of ageing on the body clock?

a) Shift towards evening chronotype
b) More time in REM sleep
c) Impaired phase shifting
d) Increase in the amplitude of core temperature rhythm

Answer 7

c) impaired phase shifting