Cardiovascular fitness

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/cardiovascular-fitness

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key physiological metric?Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max)
2. What is the primary improvement method?Sustained physical activity (endurance training)
3. What is cardiovascular fitness and why is it important?Cardiovascular fitness is how well the heart, blood vessels, and lungs deliver oxygen to muscles. It helps you run, play, and stay healthy for a long time.
4. How does the heart help with exercise?The heart pumps blood, and during exercise it beats faster and pushes more blood each beat. This gives muscles the oxygen they need.

Cardiovascular fitness: The capacity of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to working muscles during sustained physical activity.
Cardiac output: The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, a product of heart rate and stroke volume.
Vascular patency: The state of blood vessels being open and unobstructed, allowing for efficient blood flow.
Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max): The highest rate at which the body can consume oxygen during maximal physical exertion.