What must occur during exercise to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to cardiac muscle?
A) There must be increased oxygen release to cardiac muscle
B) There must be decreased oxygen content to skeletal muscle
C) There must be a decreased heart rate
D) There must be increased coronary blood flow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During exercise, the demand for oxygen increases in all muscles, including cardiac muscle. In order to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the cardiac muscle, there must be an increase in coronary blood flow, which provides oxygenated blood to the heart. Option A is incorrect because increased oxygen release to cardiac muscle alone is not enough; the blood flow must also increase. Option B is incorrect because decreasing oxygen content to skeletal muscle will not necessarily increase oxygen delivery to cardiac muscle. Option C is incorrect because decreasing heart rate would actually decrease oxygen delivery to all muscles, including the heart.

What Must Occur During Exercise to Ensure Adequate Oxygen Delivery