Response to Exercise

Question 1

Describe how the human body reacts to the
increased demand for energy during exercise.

Answer 1

-the heart rate increases, to supply the muscles with extra oxygen -
and remove the carbon dioxide produced
-the breathing rate and volume of each breath increase to bring
more oxygen into the body and remove the carbon dioxide
produced

Question 2

What type of respiration takes place if
insufficient oxygen is supplied and what is the effect this has
on muscles

Answer 2

Muscles begin to respire anaerobically. Lactic acid is produced from glucose, instead of carbon dioxide and water. Muscles continue to contract, but less efficiently.

Question 3

Describe what happens to accumulated
lactic acid after exercise.

Answer 3

Lactic acid is taken to the liver by the blood, and either:
-oxidised to carbon dioxide and water, or
-converted to glucose, then glycogen - glycogen levels in the liver
and muscles can then be restored

Question 4

Give a definition for the term ‘oxygen
debt’

Answer 4

The amount of extra oxygen required by the body for recovery after vigorous exercise