Anaerobic respiratory system
The Without oxygen. respiratory system supplies energy very quickly for sports such as vaulting in gymnastics or throwing a javelin where the activity only lasts a few seconds.
Anaerobic exercise is performed in the absence of oxygen. It is high-intensity, short duration exercise. Anaerobic exercise can only be sustained for a short time, mainly because of the build-up of lactic acid.
Examples of anaerobic activities include sprinting, long jump, making a tackle in football, shooting at goal in netball and serving in tennis.
This system breaks down glucose into lactic acid. Glucose is derived from carbohydrates. It produces energy very quickly.
Glucose 鈫 energy + lactic acid
The lactic acid energy system produces the majority of the energy for moderate to high intensity activities such as running 400 metres. However, lactic acid is a fatiguing by-product of this energy pathway and causes pain and discomfort in the working muscles. It is for this reason that the winner of a 400 m race is typically the athlete who slows down the least.
Oxygen debt
It is the lack of oxygen and the build-up of lactic acid that causes fatigue.
The anaerobic systems require oxygen to restore them which is called an oxygen debt.
After taking part in exercise, a person continues to breathe more deeply and rapidly than when at rest to take in additional oxygen to repay this oxygen debt.
The oxygen is then used to:
- break down lactic acid to carbon dioxide and water
- replenish the creatine phosphate stores