Which changes occur in the body during short-term aerobic exercise?

During short-term aerobic exercise, several physiologic changes occur to support the body's increased demand for oxygen and nutrients. Heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output are the primary factors that adapt positively during this type of exercise.

When you engage in aerobic activity—such as running, cycling, or swimming—the heart rate increases to pump more blood to the muscles that are active. This increase in heart rate is necessary to deliver more oxygen and remove carbon dioxide more efficiently. Stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat, also rises as the heart becomes more efficient during exercise. Consequently, the overall cardiac output (the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute) increases significantly to meet the demands of the working muscles.

The other options do not accurately describe the changes associated with short-term aerobic exercise. Body temperature typically increases during exercise due to the production of heat by working muscles and energy metabolism. Increased muscle mass is a long-term adaptation resulting from resistance training and does not significantly occur during short-term aerobic workouts. Lastly, the respiratory rate increases to provide more oxygen for aerobic metabolism and to expel the carbon dioxide produced, rather than decreasing. Thus, the correct option that captures the immediate physiological responses to short-term aerobic exercise is centered