Final answer:
Cheyne-Stokes respiration is the breathing pattern where tidal volume gradually increases and then decreases cyclically, often related to regulatory mechanisms for respiratory volume and rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of breathing characterized by gradually increasing tidal volume for several breaths followed by several breaths with gradually decreasing tidal volume is known as Cheyne-Stokes respiration. This breathing pattern is marked by cyclic changes in ventilation corresponding to changes in the blood levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, often seen in cases of heart failure, stroke, or in individuals at high altitudes. The physiological purpose behind it is not completely understood, but it is closely related to the regulation of respiratory volume and respiratory rate, which are both crucial elements in maintaining adequate alveolar ventilation and preventing carbon dioxide buildup.