Cardiac muscle is intolerant of anaerobic conditions. True or False?

Cardiac muscle is indeed intolerant of anaerobic conditions, which is why the statement is true. Cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, primarily rely on aerobic metabolism for energy production. This dependency on oxygen is crucial because the heart continuously pumps blood and requires a steady supply of energy to function efficiently.

Unlike some other muscle types, which can temporarily function anaerobically, cardiac muscles do not possess the same capacity to switch to anaerobic glycolysis to produce ATP when oxygen is depleted. When deprived of oxygen, cardiac cells quickly accumulate metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid, leading to cell injury and eventual damage. This intolerance to anaerobic conditions underscores the importance of a well-oxygenated blood supply, as seen in conditions like ischemia, where blood flow is restricted, potentially leading to heart attacks due to lack of oxygen.

In summary, cardiac muscle's reliance on aerobic metabolism explains why it cannot effectively function under anaerobic conditions, making the statement true.