Phillip is breathing at approximately 40 ventilations per minute. What is the respiratory center indicating?
A) low oxygen concentration in the lungs
B) high carbon dioxide concentration in the blood
C) low oxygen concentration in the blood
D) the firing of the intercostal nerves
E) stretch receptors in the alveolar walls

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory center in the brainstem monitors the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, and when it detects an increase, it stimulates the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to increase the rate and depth of breathing to remove the excess carbon dioxide. A breathing rate of approximately 40 ventilations per minute suggests that the respiratory center is indicating a high carbon dioxide concentration in the blood.

Phillip Is Breathing at Approximately 40 Ventilations Per Minute