Britannica Sources used in this answer

How do increased chemoreceptor signals change the rate and depth of breathing?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A pine grosbeak with pink and gray plumage perches on a branch, eating red berries among autumn foliage. — Chemoreception Animals, such as this pine grosbeak, use chemoreception to respond to chemicals that can be tasted and smelled in their environments. Many of these chemicals affect behaviors such as food preference and defense.

When chemoreceptors detect hypoxia or an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, their increased activity triggers a physiological response that augments both the rate and depth of breathing.1

This process serves as a feedback mechanism to restore oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to their usual physiological range. The response is mediated by two primary types of sensors:1

Arterial chemoreceptors: Located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies, these monitor arterial blood. The carotid bodies, in particular, respond to drops in oxygen partial pressure and rises in carbon dioxide partial pressure, sending signals to the brain to adjust ventilation.12
Central chemoreceptors: Situated in the brain, these respond to changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in their immediate environment, which influences the acidity of the surrounding fluid.31

By increasing the rate and depth of breathing, the body effectively increases ventilation, which helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and improve oxygen intake. Conversely, if ventilation is too high, the resulting drop in carbon dioxide levels reduces chemoreceptor activity, thereby diminishing ventilation.1