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Multiple Choice
As blood passes through actively contracting skeletal muscle, which of the following changes is most likely to occur?
A
Glucose concentration in the blood increases
B
Oxygen levels in the blood decrease
C
Carbon dioxide levels in the blood decrease
D
Blood pH increases
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the physiological context: Actively contracting skeletal muscle requires energy, which is primarily derived from glucose and oxygen. This process involves cellular respiration, where oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced.
Analyze oxygen levels: During muscle contraction, oxygen is utilized by muscle cells for aerobic respiration. This leads to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood passing through the muscle.
Analyze carbon dioxide levels: As oxygen is consumed, carbon dioxide is produced as a byproduct of cellular respiration. This results in an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood passing through the muscle.
Consider blood pH: The increase in carbon dioxide levels leads to the formation of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) in the blood, which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). The presence of more hydrogen ions lowers the blood pH, making it more acidic rather than increasing it.
Evaluate glucose concentration: Glucose is consumed by muscle cells to generate ATP during contraction. Therefore, glucose concentration in the blood decreases rather than increases as it is utilized for energy production.