During birth, an infant is normally stimulated to breathe by ________. A) CO₂ accumulating in the baby's blood B) an increased O₂ level in the baby's new environment C) prostaglandins D) surfactant E) being spanked by the doctor

Question

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The primary stimulus for an infant to begin breathing at birth is the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the baby's blood. This buildup of CO2 occurs because, once the placental gas exchange is interrupted by the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord, the baby must begin to breathe on its own to remove CO2 and receive oxygen. This increase in CO2 levels reduces the blood pH, stimulating the respiratory centers in the brain to initiate the breathing process.

During Birth, an Infant Is Normally Stimulated to Breathe by ________