**Core Concept**
During starvation, the body undergoes a series of metabolic adaptations to maintain energy homeostasis. This involves the breakdown of stored energy sources, including glycogen, triglycerides, and proteins, to produce glucose and energy.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Muscle tissue plays a crucial role in this process by utilizing alternative energy sources. During starvation, muscle tissue begins to break down fat for energy, a process known as lipolysis. The fatty acids released from adipose tissue are then transported to muscle cells, where they are activated and oxidized to produce ATP. This process is mediated by the enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which is involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Glucose - While glucose is an important energy source for muscle tissue, it is not the primary energy source during starvation, as glucose stores are depleted early in the fasting state.
**Option B:** Ketone bodies - While ketone bodies can be used as an energy source by muscle tissue during prolonged fasting, they are not the primary energy source during the initial stages of starvation.
**Option C:** Lactate - Lactate is not a primary energy source for muscle tissue during starvation, as it is typically produced during intense, anaerobic exercise.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's worth noting that muscle tissue can also utilize ketone bodies as an energy source during prolonged fasting or starvation, a process known as ketosis.

**Correct Answer: C. Fatty acids**