Final answer:
Breathing is initiated by the respiratory centers in the brain and is modified by input from chemoreceptors in the blood. These chemoreceptors detect changes in the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen and regulate the rate and depth of breathing accordingly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Breathing is initiated by the respiratory centers in the brain, specifically the medulla and pons. These centers receive input from the central and peripheral chemoreceptors, which detect changes in the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. The respiratory centers then adjust the rate and depth of breathing in response to these stimuli.