Receptors in the CNS that detect changes in arterial PCO₂ are actually sensitive to the H⁺ concentration of the brain extracellular fluid.

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Receptors in the CNS that detect changes in arterial PCO₂ are actually sensitive to the H⁺ concentration of the brain extracellular fluid. This is because changes in PCO₂ lead to alterations in H⁺ concentrations due to the formation of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which dissociates into H⁺ and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻). Therefore, H⁺ concentration is a more direct indicator of changes in PCO₂ than PCO₂ itself.

Receptors in the CNS That Detect Changes in Arterial PCO₂