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The amount of oxygen in a person's blood decreases. How will the body MOST likely respond to this change?

Options:
A. Increase the heart rate
B. Decrease the heart rate
C. Increase the respiratory rate
D. Decrease the respiratory rate

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The body will most likely respond to decreased blood oxygen by increasing the respiratory rate to intake more oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, and potentially increasing the heart rate to distribute oxygen more effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the amount of oxygen in a person's blood decreases, the body's primary response is to increase the respiratory rate in order to take in more oxygen and expel more carbon dioxide. Additionally, the body may increase the heart rate to circulate the blood more quickly, improving the delivery of oxygen to the tissues. This physiological response ensures that the oxygen levels remain sufficient to meet the metabolic demands of the body's cells. It is a part of the body's homeostatic mechanisms to maintain a stable internal environment in response to changes.

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