If carbon dioxide concentration in the blood increases, the breathing will:

Options

A. increase
B. decrease
C. stop
D. remain unaffected

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Role of Carbon Dioxide in the Blood:**
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a byproduct of cellular metabolism and is continuously produced in the body.
- It is important to maintain a balance of CO2 in the blood for proper physiological function.

2. **Detection of Increased CO2 Levels:**
- The body has specialized chemoreceptors located in the medulla oblongata of the brain that are sensitive to changes in CO2 concentration.
- When CO2 levels rise, these chemoreceptors detect the increase in partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and the increase in hydrogen ions (H+).

3. **Signal Transmission to the Respiratory Center:**
- Upon detecting elevated CO2 levels, the chemosensitive areas send signals to the respiratory rhythm center in the medulla oblongata.
- This center is responsible for regulating the rate and depth of breathing.

4. **Response of the Respiratory System:**
- In response to the signals from the chemoreceptors, the respiratory rhythm center adjusts the breathing rate.
- Specifically, it increases the rate of breathing (ventilation) to expel excess CO2 from the body.

5. **Outcome of Increased Breathing Rate:**
- The increase in breathing rate allows for more oxygen to be inhaled and more CO2 to be exhaled.
- This process helps restore normal levels of CO2 in the blood, ensuring homeostasis is maintained.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, if carbon dioxide concentration in the blood increases, the breathing will increase to eliminate the excess CO2 efficiently.

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