Why does one get cramps after sudden physical activity?

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SSC CGL 2022 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On : 13 Dec 2022 Shift 3)
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  1. The build-up of hydrochloric acid in our muscles during sudden activity causes cramps.
  2. The pepsin enzyme releases chemicals that lead to cramps.
  3. The oxygen molecules breaks down.
  4. The build-up of lactic acid in our muscles during sudden activity causes cramps.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : The build-up of lactic acid in our muscles during sudden activity causes cramps.
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PYST 1: SSC CGL - English (Held On : 11 April 2022 Shift 1)
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is The build-up of lactic acid in our muscles during sudden activity causes cramps.

Key Points

  • Anaerobic respiration:
    • During heavy physical exercise, most of the energy in our muscles is provided by oxygen breakdown.
    • Anaerobic respiration in muscles provides only some extra energy which is needed under the conditions of heavy physical activities.
    • The anaerobic respiration by muscles brings about a partial breakdown of glucose to form lactic acid. 
    • The accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles causes muscle cramps. 
    • Thus, muscle cramps occur due to the accumulation of lactic acid in muscles when the muscles respire anaerobically while doing hard physical exercise.
    • We can get relief from cramps in muscles caused by heavy exercise by taking a hot water bath or massage. 
    • A hot water bath improves the circulation of blood in the muscles. 
    • Due to improved blood flow, the supply of oxygen to the muscles increases. 
    • This oxygen breaks down lactic acid accumulated in muscles into carbon dioxide and water, and hence gives us relief from cramps.

F1 Anupam Madhu 09.05.20 D6

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