Breathing Rate Control
This key facts covers Breathing Rate Control within Gas Exchange in Humans for GCSE Biology. Lung structure, alveoli adaptations, breathing mechanism, gas transport in blood, and effects of smoking It is section 7 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 19
Practice
21 questions
Recall
23 flashcards
Breathing Rate Control
Automatic Control Centre
The medulla oblongata in the brain stem automatically controls breathing rate:
- Primary trigger: CO₂ concentration in blood (not oxygen!)
- Chemoreceptors detect changes in blood pH (caused by CO₂ levels)
- High CO₂ → more acidic blood → increased breathing rate
- Low CO₂ → less acidic blood → decreased breathing rate
Factors Affecting Breathing Rate
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Gas Exchange in Humans. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Gas Exchange in Humans
Which is the correct order of structures air passes through to reach the lungs?
Explain how the structure of alveoli is adapted for efficient gas exchange.
Quick Recall Flashcards
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