Multiple Choice
What causes CO2 in the blood to decrease?
40. Circulatory System
Gas Exchange
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What happens when the CO2 level from cellular respiration increases in the blood?
A
Cellular respiration decreases.
B
The pH of the cerebrospinal fluid also increases and is detected by O2 sensors in arteries near the heart.
C
The O2 level automatically increases.
D
The medulla, moderated by the pons, signals the heart muscle to beat harder, bringing in more O2.
E
A decrease in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid triggers the brain's breathing control centers, which stimulate diaphragm and rib muscle contractions.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct, which is released into the bloodstream.
Recognize that an increase in CO2 levels in the blood leads to the formation of carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), thereby lowering the pH of the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Identify that the decrease in pH is detected by chemoreceptors located in the brain and major blood vessels, which are sensitive to changes in blood pH and CO2 levels.
Acknowledge that these chemoreceptors send signals to the brain's respiratory centers, particularly the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for regulating breathing.
Understand that in response to the signals, the medulla oblongata stimulates the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to contract more frequently and forcefully, increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more CO2 and restore pH balance.
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