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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Oxygen_debt
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1992-09-02
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A physiological state produced by vigorous
exercise, in which the lungs cannot supply
all the oxygen that the muscles need. Oxygen
is required for the release of energy from
food molecules (aerobic respiration). Instead
of breaking food molecules down fully, muscle
cells switch to a form of partial breakdown
that does not require oxygen (anaerobic
respiration) so that they can continue to
generate energy. This partial breakdown
produces lactic acid, which results in a
sensation of fatigue when it reaches certain
levels in the muscles and the blood. Once the
vigorous muscle movements cease, the body
breaks down the lactic acid, using up extra
oxygen to do so. Panting after exercise is an
automatic reaction to `pay off' the oxygen
debt.