Question

When is lactic acid produced in muscles?

Answer 1

Lactic acid is produced in muscles when:

1. The muscle cells also respire anaerobically but only for a short time when there is a temporary deficiency of oxygen.
2. During heavy exercise, fast running. cycling, walking for many hours, or heavy weight lifting, and the demand for energy is high.
3. But the supply of oxygen to produce the energy is limited or insufficient.
4. Then the anaerobic respiration takes place in the muscle cells to fulfill the demand for energy.
5. The partial breakdown of glucose produces lactic acid.
6. The accumulation of lactic acid causes muscle cramps.
7. Hence, the supply of oxygen to the muscle cells increases.
8. And the increase in the supply of oxygen results in the complete breakdown of lactic acid into carbon dioxide and water.