What is the metabolic fate of pyruvate in anaerobic muscle?

In anaerobic muscle cells, pyruvate undergoes lactic acid fermentation, where it is converted into lactate by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. This conversion regenerates NAD+, which is essential for glycolysis to continue producing ATP. Lactic acid fermentation provides a temporary solution to ATP production during intense exercise when oxygen supply is insufficient for aerobic respiration.