Very hard

A nurse explains that the medulla responds strongly when carbon dioxide rises in the blood. What directly stimulates this response in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid?

Correct answer: B. An increase in hydrogen ion concentration

  • A. A fall in blood glucose
  • B. An increase in hydrogen ion concentration
  • C. An increase in plasma calcium
  • D. A rise in body temperature alone

Explanation

Raised carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, increasing hydrogen ions in cerebrospinal fluid and stimulating the medullary respiratory centre. This increases the rate and depth of breathing to remove carbon dioxide.

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The respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, pleura, alveoli and the mechanics of breathing. It explains pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, regulation of breathing, and the difference between external respiration in the lungs and internal respiration in body tissues.

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