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oxygen debt

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

oxygen debt The situation that arises in an aerobic animal when insufficient oxygen is available for necessary metabolic functions (e.g. during strenuous physical exertion). Energy is supplied to muscles by the anaerobic conversion of pyruvate (ionized pyruvic acid) with the production of lactic acid which is stored in the muscles (and whose accumulation leads to the sensation of fatigue). When the exertion ceases and an adequate amount of oxygen is once more available, the lactic acid is conveyed to the liver and oxidized.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "oxygen debt." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "oxygen debt." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-oxygendebt.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "oxygen debt." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-oxygendebt.html

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oxygen debt

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

oxygen debt The physiological state that exists in a normally aerobic animal when insufficient oxygen is available for metabolic requirements (e.g. during a period of strenuous physical activity). To meet the body's increased demand for energy, pyruvate is converted anaerobically (i.e. in the absence of oxygen) to lactic acid, which requires oxygen for its breakdown and accumulates in the tissues. When oxygen is available again lactic acid is oxidized in the liver, thus repaying the debt.

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"oxygen debt." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"oxygen debt." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-oxygendebt.html

"oxygen debt." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-oxygendebt.html

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oxygen debt

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

oxygen debt Insufficient supply of oxygen in the muscles following vigorous exercise. This reduces the breakdown of food molecules that generate energy, causing the muscles to overproduce lactic acid creating a sensation of fatigue and sometimes muscular cramp.

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"oxygen debt." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"oxygen debt." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-oxygendebt.html

"oxygen debt." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-oxygendebt.html

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