Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2019, High School Biology

Question 23: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Anatomy and Physiology
Standard: 4.3 - Explain how the respiratory system (nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, alveoli) provides exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Standard: Sci.HS.LS.1.02 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the key functions of animal body systems, including (a) food digestion, nutrient uptake, and transport through the body; (b) exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; (c) removal of wastes; and (d) regulation of body processes. Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the primary function of the following body systems (and structures): digestive (mouth, stomach, small intestine [villi], large intestine, pancreas), respiratory (lungs [alveoli], diaphragm), circulatory (heart, veins, arteries, capillaries), excretory (kidneys, liver, skin), and nervous (neurons, brain, spinal cord). State Assessment Boundary: Chemical reactions in cells, details of particular structures (such as the structure of the neuron), or the identification of specific proteins in cells are not expected in state assessment.
Item Description: Identify two main gases exchanged between the respiratory and circulatory systems, identify the structure in lungs where gas exchange occurs, describe how the gases are exchanged, and explain why branching in lungs is important.

The diagram below shows how air passageways branch in the human lungs.

Identify the two main gases that are exchanged between the respiratory and circulatory systems.
Identify the structure in lungs where gas exchange with capillaries occurs.
Describe how the two gases are exchanged between the structure you identified in part (b) and the capillaries.
Explain why the branching of the air passageways in the lungs is important for efficient respiratory system functioning.

Scoring Guide for Idea Development

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
4	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of how the respiratory system provides exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The response correctly identifies the two main gases that are exchanged between the respiratory and circulatory systems and the structure in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. The response clearly describes how the two gases are exchanged between the identified structure and the capillaries. The response also clearly explains why the branching of the air passageways is important for efficient respiratory system functioning.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of how the respiratory system provides exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of how the respiratory system provides exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of how the respiratory system provides exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
0	The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

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Return to the MCAS 2019 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: May 5, 2020