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When a person is exercising, CO₂ builds up in the blood. What effect would this have on external respiration?

User Jonchar
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Final answer:

Increases in blood CO₂ levels during exercise lead to higher acidity, prompting the body to increase the respiration rate to expel excess CO₂ and maintain homeostasis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a person is exercising, the build-up of CO₂ in the blood has a direct effect on external respiration. This accumulation of CO₂ leads to a rise in the blood's carbonic acid levels due to the reaction of CO₂ with water. An increase in the acidity of blood (lowering of pH) triggers the body to increase the respiration rate to expel more CO₂ and stabilize the pH. In essence, during intense physical activity, increased levels of CO₂ in the blood stimulate the respiratory centers in the brain, leading to faster and deeper breathing. This is a key aspect of maintaining homeostasis, ensuring that the body effectively manages CO₂ levels and maintains a balanced internal environment.

When a person is exercising, the levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood increase. This increase in CO₂ has an effect on external respiration. External respiration refers to the exchange of gases between the lungs and the external environment. During exercise, the respiratory rate increases, causing more CO₂ to be exhaled from the lungs, thus reducing the levels of CO₂ in the blood. This allows for a continuous exchange of gases, maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

User Bytejunkie
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