Question

The breathing center in the brain responds to changes in the
(a) Oxygen concentration of the blood
(b) Carbon dioxide concentration of the blood
(c) Glucose in the mitochondria
(d) Acetyl coenzyme A in the mitochondria

Answer 1

This center is a group of neurons that is a part of the respiratory center present in the brain stem in the hindbrain. The brain has various parts that perform various functions and each function is performed by a specialized part.

Complete answer:
The respiratory center is responsible for controlling the rhythmic respiration in the body. This center also helps in the maintenance of homeostasis and maintains the respiration rate that depends upon the various physiological changes. The respiratory center consists of three medulla and the pons that are the part of the brain. This center present in the brain responds when the Carbon dioxide concentration of the blood is changed. The signals are received by the respiratory center to control the movement of respiratory rate and respiratory muscles that includes the diaphragm. During breathing, $20\%$ oxygen is taken in and $15\%$ oxygen is exhaled out. The process of breathing is dependent upon the movement of the diaphragm. Carbon dioxide is maximally transported as bicarbonate ions and it is taken back to the lungs with the help of blood where it is released back into the atmosphere.
If there is any damage in the breathing center of the brain then it will cause mechanical ventilation and the respiratory center fails. A healthy respiratory center requires a high amount of carbon dioxide in the blood and this increased carbon dioxide concentration will help the brain to send signals to the respiratory muscles and help in respiration. The carbon dioxide concentration may also help in detecting the lower level of pH with the help of chemoreceptors present in them.

So, the correct answer is ‘Carbon dioxide concentration of the blood’.

Note:
Respiration in the body is present in the form of neural respiration and cellular respiration. The dorsal respiratory group initiates inspiration/inhalation while the ventral respiratory group consists of the group of neurons that help in the process of exhalation.