UKMLA PLAB AMC USMLE Prometric MCQ

TTTFF

Comments:
Respiration is stimulated primarily by medullary chemoreceptors which respond to
Pediatrics 2
hypercarbia. The presence of acidosis exaggerates this response. Oxygen only stimulates
respiration if levels are very low, e.g. at high altitude (low barometric pressure). This also
becomes more important in chronic lung disease when carbon dioxide levels are chronically
raised.