How does the body clear lactic acid after anaerobic respiration?

The body clears lactic acid after anaerobic respiration through a process called the Cori cycle in the liver.

The Cori cycle, named after the biochemists Carl and Gerty Cori, is a metabolic pathway in the liver that helps to clear lactic acid from the body after anaerobic respiration. During periods of intense exercise or oxygen deprivation, your muscles switch from aerobic respiration (which uses oxygen) to anaerobic respiration (which doesn't use oxygen). This process produces energy quickly, but it also produces lactic acid as a byproduct.

Lactic acid can build up in the muscles, causing fatigue and discomfort. However, the body has a mechanism to deal with this. The lactic acid is transported in the blood to the liver, where it is converted back into glucose through the Cori cycle. This glucose can then be used again by the muscles for energy, or stored in the liver as glycogen for later use.

The conversion of lactic acid back into glucose is a process called gluconeogenesis. This process requires energy, which is provided by the oxidation of other nutrients in the liver, such as fats and proteins. Therefore, the Cori cycle not only helps to clear lactic acid from the body, but also contributes to the overall energy balance of the body.

In summary, the body clears lactic acid after anaerobic respiration through the Cori cycle in the liver. This process converts lactic acid back into glucose, which can be used for energy or stored for later use. This not only helps to prevent the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, but also contributes to the body's overall energy balance.