Question

Which of the following does the carotid body respond to?

A. What area of the brain responds to hypoventilation
B. What does the carotid body respond to
C. Ventilatory drive control at high PaO2 and at room air
D. Normal ventilatory response at PaCO2 of 40 vs PaCO2 50

Answer 1

The carotid body responds to changes in CO₂ and pH levels in the blood by increasing respiratory rate and depth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The carotid body responds to changes in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen ion (pH) levels in the blood. When CO₂ levels increase or pH levels decrease, the carotid body stimulates an increase in respiratory rate and depth to remove excess CO₂ and restore normal pH levels. The carotid body is a sensor located on the interior of the carotid artery and sends signals to the respiratory centers in the medulla of the brainstem to control breathing.