A patient is experiencing low blood levels of oxygen. Which of the following processes are most likely to occur?
A) The Hering-Breuer reflex will trigger the muscles in the chest wall to expand and deeper inhalation occurs.
B) The hypothalamus will sense the low oxygen levels and send signals to trigger for rapid respirations.
C) Central chemoreceptors will detect the falling oxygen levels and send impulses to increase the rate and depth of breathing.
D) Peripheral chemoreceptors will detect the falling oxygen levels and send impulses to increase the rate and depth of breathing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the blood oxygen levels are low, the peripheral chemoreceptors, which are located in the carotid bodies and aortic arch, detect the fall in oxygen levels and send impulses to increase the rate and depth of breathing. This is called the hypoxic drive. The central chemoreceptors can only detect changes in the levels of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions in the blood, but not oxygen levels. The Hering-Breuer reflex is responsible for limiting the extent of inhalation, not expanding it. The hypothalamus does not play a significant role in regulating breathing, but can modulate it during emotional or physical stress.

A Patient Is Experiencing Low Blood Levels of Oxygen