Question

Temporary cessation of breathing after forced deep breathing for a few minutes, by a person sitting at rest is due to

• A. Too much oxygen in blood.
• B. Too much carbon dioxide in blood.
• C. Very little carbon dioxide in blood.
• D. Both, too much oxygen and very little carbon dioxide in blood.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both, too much oxygen and very little carbon dioxide in blood.

The rate of respiration or breathing is controlled by the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. Increase in the amount of carbon dioxide speeds up breathing. However, low carbon dioxide levels in the blood leads to temporary cessation of breathing or apnea. Temporary cessation after forced breathing is due to too much oxygen and very little carbon dioxide in the blood.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.