Question

Which change would cause the greatest stimulus for an increase in ventilation?

a) Increase in blood pH
b) Decrease in blood CO2 levels
c) Increase in blood oxygen levels
d) Increase in blood pressure

Answer 1

A decrease in blood CO2 levels would cause the greatest stimulus for an increase in ventilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change that would cause the greatest stimulus for an increase in ventilation is a decrease in blood CO2 levels.

When blood CO2 levels decrease, it is detected by the respiratory centers in the brain, which stimulate an increase in ventilation. This response is known as the respiratory drive.

For example, during exercise, muscles produce more CO2, leading to an increase in ventilation to remove the excess CO2 from the body.