Questions for the Respiratory System Related

Review Questions for the Respiratory System related questions and content

A 10 percent increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood will

  • A. decrease the rate of breathing
  • B. double the respiratory rate
  • C. decrease pulmonary ventilation
  • D. decrease the alveolar ventilation rate
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A 10% increase in CO2 levels triggers chemoreceptors to signal the brainstem, increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess CO2. This is known as hypercapnia-induced hyperventilation. Option A is incorrect because an increase in CO2 levels would not decrease the rate of breathing. Option C is incorrect because an increase in CO2 would actually stimulate an increase in pulmonary ventilation to remove the excess CO2. Option D is incorrect because alveolar ventilation (gas exchange in the lungs) would increase, not decrease, to maintain proper oxygen and CO2 levels in the body.