lowers
raises
mechanical receptors
humerus
decreasing
cardiovascular system
carbon dioxide
red blood cells
set point
increase
slow down
lungs
diaphragm
respiratory system
actively move
adipose
breathing
lymphatic system
chemical receptors
basic
diffuse
alveoli
acidic
One of the main homeostatic functions of the respiratory system is the exchange of gases that occurs in the alveoli in the lungs.
Working closely with the cardiovascular system, blood passes through the tiny capillaries in the alveolar sacs.
The change in a pressure gradient between the blood and alveoli allows oxygen to diffuse across the thin walls of the
alveoli into the
and
to diffuse outward from the red blood cells into the lungs.
To get the gases to and from the alveoli,
, a mechanical process that involves the use of the rib cage
and the
, must occur.
Control over the rate of breathing is done by
in the blood vessels that relay information on the
and acidity levels of the blood to the brain.
When the body generates high amounts of carbon dioxide, the pH of the blood
and becomes too
. The body will
the breathing rate to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood
and move the pH toward its
.
If the blood becomes too basic, this will trigger a physiological change to
the breathing of the body and
to
the amount of carbon dioxide and lower the pH.