Asked by snoqu

respiration :
What causes the pain in your legs if you exercise more than your lungs can
supply? lactic acid build up in the ...

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Lactic acid build-up in the muscles (muscle cells).

Briefly: when oxygen delivery is insufficient you rely more on anaerobic glycolysis, which converts pyruvate to lactate (and releases H+). The rising lactate/H+ concentration and lowered pH in the muscle contribute to the burning sensation and fatigue. Lactic acid is soon cleared from muscle into the blood and metabolized (e.g., via the Cori cycle). Note also that acute burning is multifactorial (also influenced by inorganic phosphate, ion shifts and neural factors), and delayed soreness (DOMS) is caused by microtears and inflammation, not lactic acid.