Protons are unable to pass through the blood-brain barrier, but CO₂ can. As such, the chemoreceptors located in the medulla regulate the pH of cerebral interstitial fluid as a reflection of changes in the partial pressure of A) pH. B) CO₂. C) proton gradients. D) electrochemical gradients. E) O₂.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chemoreceptors in the medulla are sensitive to changes in the partial pressure of CO₂ because CO₂ can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the pH of the cerebral interstitial fluid.

Protons Are Unable to Pass Through the Blood-Brain Barrier, but CO2

Protons Are Unable to Pass Through the Blood-Brain Barrier, but CO₂