Final answer:
The breathing control centers in the medulla and pons of the brainstem control respiration by monitoring carbon dioxide levels and blood pH. Chemoreceptors detect changes in carbon dioxide and pH levels and stimulate the diaphragm to regulate breathing rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breathing control centers in the medulla and pons of the brainstem control respiration by monitoring carbon dioxide levels and blood pH. These control centers respond to chemoreceptors that detect changes in carbon dioxide and pH levels in the blood and send nerve impulses to the diaphragm to regulate its contractions. When carbon dioxide levels increase or blood pH falls, the respiratory centers stimulate the diaphragm to contract more quickly, speeding up the breathing rate and releasing more carbon dioxide into the air from the blood. This helps maintain blood pH within a narrow range.