A sudden ascent to high altitude (e.g. atmospheric pressure half that at sea level) will, in the first several hours, cause: A) Hypoxic stimulation of central chemoreceptors B) A decrease in the pH of the fluid surrounding the central chemoreceptors C) An increase in alveolar to arterial PO₂ difference D) Hypoxic stimulation of carotid body chemoreceptors E) A decrease in pulmonary arterial blood pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypoxic stimulation of carotid body chemoreceptors occurs in response to decreased oxygen levels at high altitudes, as these peripheral chemoreceptors are sensitive to changes in blood oxygen concentration.

A Sudden Ascent to High Altitude (E