The most important chemical stimulus leading to increased rate and depth of breathing is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most important chemical stimulus for increasing the rate and depth of breathing is an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This is due to the fact that carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. The increase in hydrogen ions results in a decrease in blood pH, which is detected by chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata, leading to an increase in breathing rate to remove excess carbon dioxide and restore normal blood pH levels.

The Most Important Chemical Stimulus Leading to Increased Rate and Depth