Why does breathing continue to be rapid and deep for a time after heavy exercise?
A) Extra oxygen is needed to eliminate lactic acid and restore muscle creatine phosphate and glucose concentrations.
B) The respiratory system is slow to increase and decrease its function before and after exercise, which is why it takes awhile for breathing to slow down.
C) Lactic acid that builds up during heavy exercise must be exhaled into the air, so heavy breathing must continue for awhile after exercise to eliminate it.
D) The ATP level in muscle cells falls drastically during heavy exercise, and extra oxygen is needed to restore it.
E) The extra ventilation is not needed to replenish energy stores in muscle fibers, but rather simply to restore the blood pH to normal after the production of excess lactic acid during the exercise.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During heavy exercise, the body uses up oxygen to produce energy, resulting in a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. After exercise, the body continues to breathe rapidly and deeply to supply oxygen to eliminate the lactic acid and restore muscle creatine phosphate and glucose concentrations. This process is known as the oxygen debt or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).

Why Does Breathing Continue to Be Rapid and Deep for a Time