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.
This system breaks down glucose into lactic acid. Glucose is derived from carbohydrates. It produces energy very quickly.
Glucose → 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