The Cori cycle
In the Cori cycle, lactate produced by exercising muscle is:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
The Cori cycle moves lactate out of muscle to the liver.
B
The glucose–alanine cycle carries alanine from muscle to the liver. It is a separate pathway.
C
Most lactate is recycled, not excreted.
D
Correct. The liver uses lactate for gluconeogenesis, and the glucose returns to muscle through the blood.
TakeawayCori cycle: muscle lactate → liver gluconeogenesis → glucose back to muscle.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb70.