Final answer:
B. Chemoreceptors. The peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid arteries and aortic arch send messages to the brain when oxygen levels are too low or carbon dioxide levels are too high. These chemoreceptors detect changes in the concentration of certain substances in the blood, such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen ions. An increase in carbon dioxide levels triggers the central chemoreceptors in the brain to stimulate the respiratory centers, leading to an increase in the rate and depth of respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid arteries and aortic arch are responsible for sending messages to the brain when oxygen levels are too low or carbon dioxide levels are too high, triggering respiratory compensation. These chemoreceptors detect changes in the concentration of certain substances, such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen ions, in the blood. When the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood increases, it easily diffuses across the blood-brain barrier and collects in the extracellular fluid, leading to an increase in hydrogen ions and a decrease in pH. This increase in hydrogen ions triggers the central chemoreceptors in the brain to stimulate the respiratory centers, resulting in an increase in the rate and depth of respiration.