Moderate

Carotid body function in an organ work as_______________?

Correct answer: A. Differential pressure of oxygen in arterial blood

  • A. Differential pressure of oxygen in arterial blood
  • B. Differential pressure of oxygen in venous blood
  • C. Differential pressure of oxygen in in tissue fluids
  • D. Differential pressure of oxygen in in hemoglobin synthesis

Explanation

Carotid bodies primarily detect a fall in arterial oxygen partial pressure, especially when PaO₂ falls markedly, and then stimulate ventilation. They are not sensors of venous oxygen or haemoglobin synthesis.

Last updated

Practise Respiratory Physiology

46 free Respiratory Physiology MCQs from Physiology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physiology questions like this

Physiology is on 3 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions