Mandatory Synthesis Essay

Words: 335
Pages: 2

Exercise results in consumption of oxygen to produce ATP for the body, which leads to the buildup of CO2 and water as the metabolic waste products. The CO2 can react with water to produce carbonic acid and later H+ ions (Wasserman et al, 1967). This lowers the pH of the body leading to acidosis. The normal body pH is around 7.4, and any deviation from that can cause denaturation of the enzymes and negatively affect the functions of the body. If oxygen is not available during this stage to compensate, the body enters anaerobic respiration further lowers the pH. Thus oxygen uptake from air needs to be increased to compensate and regulate the body pH. The increase in CO2 is detected by the chemoreceptors in the carotid arteries and aorta, which