Question

Which of the following statements is true?

a.Slow, deep breathing makes less gas available for gas exchange.
b.Breathing rate and depth do not affect gas exchange.
c.Rapid shallow breathing can reduce the amount of gas exchange without changing the total amount of gas moved in a minute.
d.Normal breathing rates and depth provide the most oxygen for exchange.

Answer 1

The correct option is C. When a person is breathing rapidly and shallowly, the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange within a minute may decrease while the total amount of gas moved in a minute remains constant. Less gas is available for exchange because much of the gas remain in the dead space.