Breathing is Regulated by _______

Question

Breathing is regulated by _______.
A) respiratory centers in the medulla and pons
B) oxygen concentration in the blood
C) diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide
D) buffers in the blood

Accepted Answer

Breathing is regulated by respiratory centers located in the medulla and pons region of the brainstem. These centers receive input from chemoreceptors, which monitor the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood. Based on this feedback, the respiratory centers adjust the rate and depth of breathing to maintain appropriate levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body. The other options listed (B, C, and D) are all factors that can influence breathing but are not the primary regulators of respiratory function.