The levels of ____ in the blood are usually responsible for altering breathing patterns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration and when it accumulates in the blood, it lowers the pH, which can lead to changes in breathing patterns. This is known as the respiratory drive, and an increase in carbon dioxide levels (known as hypercapnia) can stimulate it. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and hemoglobin levels do not directly alter breathing patterns in the same way.

The Levels of ____ in the Blood Are Usually Responsible