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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements regarding the hypoxic drive is correct?
A
The hypoxic drive is only present in plants and not in animals.
B
The hypoxic drive is the main respiratory drive in healthy individuals at sea level.
C
The hypoxic drive stimulates breathing in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.
D
The hypoxic drive is primarily activated by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of hypoxic drive. The hypoxic drive is a secondary mechanism for regulating breathing, primarily activated in response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in the blood. It is distinct from the primary respiratory drive, which is typically regulated by carbon dioxide levels.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'The hypoxic drive is only present in plants and not in animals.' This is incorrect because the hypoxic drive is a physiological mechanism found in animals, particularly humans, and not in plants.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'The hypoxic drive is the main respiratory drive in healthy individuals at sea level.' This is incorrect because, in healthy individuals at sea level, the primary respiratory drive is regulated by carbon dioxide levels, not oxygen levels.
Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'The hypoxic drive stimulates breathing in response to low oxygen levels in the blood.' This is correct because the hypoxic drive is activated when oxygen levels in the blood drop significantly, stimulating breathing to restore oxygen balance.
Step 5: Examine the fourth statement: 'The hypoxic drive is primarily activated by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.' This is incorrect because the hypoxic drive is specifically activated by low oxygen levels, not high carbon dioxide levels, which are managed by the primary respiratory drive.