# Explain why the body continues to breathe faster and deeper for several minutes after a period of vigorous exercise has stopped.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.4.2 Respiration · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. During vigorous exercise, anaerobic respiration occurs (in the muscles) because not enough oxygen is supplied
2. Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid which accumulates in the muscles/blood
3. After exercise, extra oxygen is needed to react with / break down the accumulated lactic acid
4. This extra oxygen required is the oxygen debt, so breathing rate remains elevated to take in that extra oxygen

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