During physical exercise a lot of Carbon Dioxide is found in the muscles in the form of Carbonic
acid.
These Carbonic acid levels that are high is very dangerous to the body.
Describe step by step how the body copes with these high levels.
1. During physical exercise, muscles produce a lot of carbon dioxide as a byproduct of metabolism. This carbon dioxide dissolves in the muscle cells and forms carbonic acid.
2. High levels of carbonic acid in the muscles can lead to a decrease in pH (acidosis), which can interfere with the normal functioning of enzymes and muscle fibers.
3. To cope with these high levels of carbonic acid, the body relies on the respiratory system. The brain detects the increase in carbon dioxide levels and sends signals to the respiratory muscles to increase the rate and depth of breathing.
4. As breathing rate and depth increase, more carbon dioxide is expelled from the lungs, helping to decrease the levels of carbonic acid in the muscles.
5. The increased breathing also helps to bring more oxygen into the body, which is necessary for producing energy during exercise.
6. The cardiovascular system also plays a role in coping with high levels of carbonic acid. The increased breathing helps to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles, aiding in the removal of carbon dioxide.
7. Over time, as the body adapts to regular physical exercise, the muscles become more efficient at clearing carbon dioxide and acidosis is minimized.
Overall, the body copes with high levels of carbonic acid during exercise by increasing breathing rate and depth, improving blood flow to the muscles, and enhancing oxygen delivery for energy production.