Final answer:
The body regulates the respiratory rate through chemoreceptors that monitor carbon dioxide levels and changes in the pH of cerebrospinal fluid. Peripheral blood sensors in major arteries signal the brain to adjust breathing rate accordingly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body regulates the respiratory rate through chemoreceptors that monitor the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Peripheral blood sensors in the aorta and carotid arteries signal the brain to adjust the respiratory rate based on changes in carbon dioxide levels. Additionally, changes in the pH of cerebrospinal fluid can affect the respiratory center in the medulla oblongata, leading to modulation of the breathing rate to bring pH back to normal.