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nmdcat.online July 28, 2026

During the process of prolonged exercise, skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles adapt to increased energy demands differently. A fundamental metabolic distinction between the two is that cardiac muscle:

A. Cannot utilize lactic acid for energy production
B. Relies almost exclusively on anaerobic glycolysis
C. Has a significantly higher density of mitochondria
✓
D. Stores larger amounts of glycogen than skeletal muscle

📝 Explanation

Cardiac muscle is highly dependent on aerobic respiration to prevent fatigue, thus it contains a much higher density of mitochondria (up to 35% of cell volume) and a rich blood supply compared to skeletal muscle. It can also readily utilize lactic acid produced by skeletal muscles during exercise.

📖 Additional Information

  • Cannot utilize lactic acid for energy production
  • Relies almost exclusively on anaerobic glycolysis
  • Has a significantly higher density of mitochondria
  • Stores larger amounts of glycogen than skeletal muscle

Cardiac muscle is highly dependent on aerobic respiration to prevent fatigue, thus it contains a much higher density of mitochondria (up to 35% of cell volume) and a rich blood supply compared to skeletal muscle. It can also readily utilize lactic acid produced by skeletal muscles during exercise.

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