What happens to the respiratory rate if the level of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood increases?

When the level of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood increases, the body responds by triggering mechanisms to enhance the elimination of carbon dioxide. The primary driver of this response is the increased concentration of carbon dioxide, which leads to a decrease in blood pH (making it more acidic). This phenomenon is detected by chemoreceptors in the body, particularly in the carotid bodies and the medulla oblongata.

To counteract the increased carbon dioxide levels, the body increases both the respiratory rate and the depth of breathing. This combined action facilitates a greater exchange of gases in the lungs, allowing more carbon dioxide to be expelled and more oxygen to be taken in. In essence, the respiratory system actively adjusts to maintain homeostasis and ensure that carbon dioxide levels return to normal ranges.

This adaptive mechanism is crucial for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body, illustrating the body's remarkable ability to respond to varying levels of gases in the bloodstream.