Which organ is primarily involved in the Cori cycle during recovery?

Which organ is primarily involved in the Cori cycle during recovery?

• A. Liver
• B. Skeletal muscle
• C. Heart
• D. Lungs

Answer: (A)

During recovery after high-intensity exercise, lactate built up in working muscles is cleared and reused. The liver is the key player because it performs gluconeogenesis, turning lactate back into glucose. Lactate travels in the blood to the liver, where it is converted to pyruvate and then to glucose, which can be released into the bloodstream to restore blood glucose and refuel muscles. This lactate-to-glucose conversion is the main function that makes the liver essential in the Cori cycle. While muscles do produce lactate and the heart can use lactate as fuel, the step that regenerates glucose occurs primarily in the liver, which is why it’s the best answer.

During recovery after high-intensity exercise, lactate built up in working muscles is cleared and reused. The liver is the key player because it performs gluconeogenesis, turning lactate back into glucose. Lactate travels in the blood to the liver, where it is converted to pyruvate and then to glucose, which can be released into the bloodstream to restore blood glucose and refuel muscles. This lactate-to-glucose conversion is the main function that makes the liver essential in the Cori cycle. While muscles do produce lactate and the heart can use lactate as fuel, the step that regenerates glucose occurs primarily in the liver, which is why it’s the best answer.