Skeletal Muscle Can Function Aerobically or Anaerobically

Whereas the heart muscle operates under strictly aerobic conditions, skeletal muscle can function either aerobically or anaerobically. The energy consumption of skeletal muscle varies enormously with the extent of muscle activity. During periods of mild exertion, muscle tissue requires 

In times of starvation, muscle tissue is usually quite inactive, so its energy demands are low. In fact, under such conditions the muscles tend to supply energy to the rest of the organism via degradation of muscle protein to amino acids. These amino acids are transported to the liver where they are converted to glucose or used for biosynthesis of other proteins essential for maintenance of the organism s vital processes. 

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Heart Muscle Utilizes Fatty Acids in Preference to Glucose to Fulfill Its Energy Needs Skeletal Muscle Can Function Aerobically or Anaerobically... 

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