Which statement about the human gas exchange system is not true? A) During inhalation, a negative pressure exists in the space between the lung and the thoracic wall. B) Smoking one cigarette can immobilize the cilia lining the airways for hours. C) The respiratory control center in the medulla responds more strongly to changes in arterial O₂ concentration than to changes in arterial CO₂ concentration. D) Without surfactant, the work of breathing is greatly increased. E) The diaphragm contracts during inhalation and relaxes during exhalation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory control center in the medulla responds more strongly to changes in arterial CO2 concentration than to changes in arterial O2 concentration. This is because CO2 directly affects the pH of the blood and therefore has a more immediate and potent effect on respiration compared to changes in O2 levels.

Which Statement About the Human Gas Exchange System Is Not