Arterial PCO2 is the most important regulator. Both the rate and depth of breathing are controlled to maintain arterial PCO2 close to 40 mm Hg. In a normal awake individual, there is a linear...
The ventilatory control mechanism must accomplish two tasks: It must establish the automatic rhythm for contraction of the respiratory muscles. It must adjust this rhythm to accommodate changing metabolic demands (changes in blood PO2....
