Question

The most powerful respiratory stimulus for breathing in a healthy person is ________. the most powerful respiratory stimulus for breathing in a healthy person is ________. acidosis alkalosis loss of oxygen in tissues increase of carbon dioxide

Answer 1

Increase carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is considered the waste product of respiration but it is important in respiratory homeostatic feedback mechanism. The level of carbon dioxide in the blood is the most important in regulation of ventilation. It acts directly on the respiratory centers and affects mainly the cerebro spinal fluid pH. The increase in CO2 can lead in an increase in ventilation by stimulating the phrenic nerces to activate repiratory muscles.