Final answer:
The central chemoreceptors respond to increased carbon dioxide levels and associated increases in hydrogen ions in the cerebrospinal fluid, rather than hydrogen ions from lactic acid. Peripheral chemoreceptors, however, can respond to hydrogen ions from lactic acid produced by active skeletal muscle. Therefore, the original statement is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "The central chemoreceptor responds to hydrogen ions generated from the dissociation of hydrogen from carbonic acid and lactic acid produced by active skeletal muscle" is False. Central chemoreceptors primarily respond to increased carbon dioxide levels that lead to increased hydrogen ion concentration and reduced pH in the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain. These receptors do not directly respond to hydrogen ions from lactic acid produced by skeletal muscle; rather, lactic acid influences peripheral chemoreceptors located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.
Central chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centers when there is an increase in hydrogen ions due to carbon dioxide accumulation, which causes pulmonary ventilation to increase. The result is faster breathing, expelling more carbon dioxide, and enhancing the exchange of gases in the lungs. Conversely, low levels of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions will decrease pulmonary ventilation, leading to slower and shallower breathing.
Overall, while both central and peripheral chemoreceptors are sensitive to changes in hydrogen ion concentration, the central chemoreceptors are specifically sensitive to changes in pH due to CO2 levels, whereas peripheral chemoreceptors respond to a variety of metabolic changes, including those associated with lactic acid.