After several miles of running and sprinting in intervals, the runner’s muscles ache and feel fatigued. Which is the best explanation for what has occurred
A.The runner's muscles have accumulated lactic acid.
B.The runner’s body has failed to perform cellular respiration.
C.The runner’s cells are relying completely on aerobic respiration.
D.The runner’s muscles have accumulated carbon dioxide.
Answers
Answer:
A. The runner's muscles have accumulated lactic acid.
Here is an explanation of what happens in the runner's muscle:
It is quite common to feel a burning sensation in the muscles after rigorous exercises. This muscle pain and soreness is due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles.
Lactic acid is formed due to the combustion of carbohydrates in the body in the absence of oxygen. This is called anaerobic respiration.
In normal circumstances, our bodies use the process of aerobic respiration to provide energy. In this process carbohydrates are broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon (iv) oxide, water and energy.
However, in instances when the body requires more energy, in a rate that is not proportional to the amount of oxygen supplied by the lungs, the carbohydrates are broken down to lactic acid. Examples of such activities include; sprinting, lifting of heavy weights and running which require short bursts of energy in limited supply of oxygen.
Lactic acid accumulates in such instances in the muscles causing degradation and soreness of the skeletal muscles.