Which of the Following Explains Why Your Muscles Burn When

Question

Which of the following explains why your muscles burn when you go running?
A) Your muscles can't digest food, so the food is accumulating in your muscles.
B) Your muscles start carrying out fermentation, and lactic acid is accumulating in your muscles.
C) Your muscles start carrying out fermentation, and alcohol is accumulating in your muscles.
D) Your muscles have no oxygen, so they can't digest food and are starving.
E) Your muscles are running out of food, so your muscles are being digested to get energy.

Accepted Answer

During intense exercise, your muscles may not get enough oxygen to meet their energy needs through aerobic respiration alone. As a result, they switch to anaerobic metabolism, or fermentation, which produces lactic acid as a byproduct. The accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles can lead to the sensation of burning.