Four-year old Sammy is having a temper-tantrum.In a final attempt to get his way, he yells to his mom, "I'm gonna hold my breath 'til I die!" What is the primary reason that Sammy's mom is unconcerned by this statement?
A)It is impossible for Sammy to control the contraction of his diaphragm and intercostal muscles since they are made up of smooth muscle.
B)As Sammy holds his breath, the decreasing levels of oxygen in his blood will lead to stimulation of the respiratory control center in his brain.
C)Sammy is too young to hold his breath for more than 30 seconds.
D)As Sammy holds his breath, the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in his blood will lead to stimulation of the respiratory control center in his brain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in Sammy's blood will trigger the respiratory control center in his brain to force him to breathe, preventing him from holding his breath until he dies.

Four-Year Old Sammy Is Having a Temper-Tantrum