What is the effect of increased metabolic activity during exercise on the body?

Increased metabolic activity during exercise significantly raises the demand for oxygen and enhances the production of carbon dioxide as a waste product. The muscles require more energy to sustain activity, and this energy is generated through aerobic respiration, which uses oxygen. As the metabolic rate increases, not only is there a higher uptake of oxygen needed to fuel muscle contractions, but there is also an increased accumulation of carbon dioxide that must be expelled to maintain acid-base balance in the body.

This physiological response leads to an increase in breathing rate and depth, facilitating the exchange of gases in the lungs. The body works to meet these increased metabolic demands by enhancing cardiovascular and respiratory functions, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while effectively removing carbon dioxide. Thus, the choice related to the need for higher oxygen and carbon dioxide expulsion accurately reflects the body's adaptation to the challenges imposed by exercise.