Chapter 9, Problem 1CAQ4

Summary Introduction

To review:

The given blank space in the statement, “As an individual continues to hyperventilate at high altitudes, the individual’s ${\text{Pa}}_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}}$(______increases;________ decreases; _________ remains the same).”

Introduction:

When an individual ascends to a high altitude, the peripheral and central chemoreceptors regulate the ventilatory pattern. The barometric pressure and ${\text{P}}_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$(arterial pressure of oxygen) decrease with an increase in the altitude. The ${\text{Pa}}_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}$ falls to 60 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) with further ascending. This activates the peripheral chemoreceptors, which in turn stimulates the medulla.

Please refer to Clinical Application Case-1 for further information.