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Multiple Choice
Why do runners breathe heavily after a sprint race?
A
Because carbon dioxide levels in the blood decrease during exercise
B
Because their bodies need to cool down rapidly
C
To increase the production of lactic acid in muscles
D
To repay the oxygen debt accumulated during anaerobic respiration
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of anaerobic respiration: During intense exercise like sprinting, the body may not be able to supply enough oxygen to the muscles for aerobic respiration. As a result, muscles switch to anaerobic respiration, which produces energy without oxygen but also leads to the accumulation of lactic acid.
Learn about oxygen debt: Oxygen debt refers to the extra oxygen required by the body after exercise to metabolize the lactic acid produced during anaerobic respiration and restore normal conditions in the muscles.
Recognize the physiological response: After a sprint race, runners breathe heavily to take in more oxygen. This helps repay the oxygen debt by breaking down lactic acid into harmless substances like carbon dioxide and water, and replenishing oxygen levels in the blood and muscles.
Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze why the other choices are incorrect. For example, carbon dioxide levels actually increase during exercise due to higher metabolic activity, and heavy breathing is not primarily for cooling down or increasing lactic acid production.
Conclude with the correct answer: Heavy breathing after a sprint race is primarily to repay the oxygen debt accumulated during anaerobic respiration, ensuring the body returns to its normal state.