Rebreather World - View Single Post

Mark Wan · 21st February 2006, 09:57

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I thought that the strongest CO2 receptors that trigger the urge to breathe were in the lungs. So, isn't it the retained CO2 in the lungs that primarily triggers the urge?

Actually now that people have mentioned it, I remember how it's supposed to work now. Elevated levels of CO2 increase the blood acid level, and the receptors in the brain notice the ph change and this provides the impetus to breathe. So even if the scrubber removes all exhaled CO2, the fact that it was exhaled means that the CO2 has already prompted the brain to breathe.

I guess I should have known the answer before I posted the question

thanks for all the responses.

21st February 2006, 09:57	#9 (permalink)
Mark Wan New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hammersmith, London Posts: 59	Re: urge to breathe and co2 scrubber Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I thought that the strongest CO2 receptors that trigger the urge to breathe were in the lungs. So, isn't it the retained CO2 in the lungs that primarily triggers the urge? Actually now that people have mentioned it, I remember how it's supposed to work now. Elevated levels of CO2 increase the blood acid level, and the receptors in the brain notice the ph change and this provides the impetus to breathe. So even if the scrubber removes all exhaled CO2, the fact that it was exhaled means that the CO2 has already prompted the brain to breathe. I guess I should have known the answer before I posted the question thanks for all the responses. __________________ newbie inspo vision diver
(Offline)