Asked by kayla harrison on Jun 08, 2024
Verified
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
Ventilations
The movement of air between the environment and the lungs via inhalation and exhalation, used in respiratory processes.
Respiratory Center
Group of nerve cells in the medulla oblongata that sends out nerve impulses on a rhythmic basis, resulting in involuntary inspiration on an ongoing basis.
Intercostal Nerves
Nerves located between the ribs that play a role in the respiratory process by controlling the muscles of the chest wall.
- Recognize how breathing rate is affected by the concentration of gases in the blood.
Verified Answer
GF
galaxy fanfanJun 15, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
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.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize how breathing rate is affected by the concentration of gases in the blood.