Why Do We Breathe More Fiercely During Vigorous Exercise?

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SUMMARY

During vigorous exercise, the primary reason for increased breathing intensity is the medulla oblongata's response to elevated blood CO2 levels. This physiological response is triggered by the conversion of dissolved CO2 into carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in blood pH, which alerts the medulla to alter breathing patterns. Additionally, receptors in skeletal muscles contribute by sending nerve impulses to the brain, although the medulla's role is more critical in regulating ventilation during intense physical activity.

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  • Familiarity with blood gas exchange and CO2 transport
  • Basic concepts of muscle physiology and nerve impulse transmission
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Ventilation (concept problem), please help

We breathe more fiercely when we do vigorous exercise. But what is the reason behind?

(1) The medulla oblongata senses the increase in blood CO2 concentration.
(2) The receptors in our skeletal muscles send nerve impulses to the brain.

My textbook says (1) is the correct answer, but one of my reference books tells me otherwise...
 
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jeremy22511 said:
We breathe more fiercely when we do vigorous exercise. But what is the reason behind?

(1) The medulla oblongata senses the increase in blood CO2 concentration.
(2) The receptors in our skeletal muscles send nerve impulses to the brain.

My textbook says (1) is the correct answer, but one of my reference books tells me otherwise...

It's the first.
Dissolved CO_2 turns into carbonic acid and a decrease in pH alerts your medulla, which fundamentally alters breathing
I'm not sure about the second one, but it would have to do with obtaining oxygen to produce the energy. I would still go with the first.
 

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