Expert: Walter Hintz - 5/15/2006

Question
What happens to our breathing rate when we exercise and how is it regulated?
Why is this, an example of homeostasis?

Thanks

Answer
 Hi Mehmet
When we exercise we increase the CO2 level in the blood.  Chemoreceptors in the neck detect the increase and send a message to the hind brain and a  motor impulse stimlates the breathing muscles.  Increased breathing raises the O2 level thus lowering the  CO2 level. Homeostasis means maintaining the status quo in this case the O2 and CO2 levels