Read the following description.
Clusters of cells located near the carotid artery in the neck sense the amount of oxygen in the blood. If the level is too low, these arteries send signals to the brain that result in an increased breathing rate, which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood.
This is an example of which of the following?
Correct answer: negative feedback helping to maintain homeostasis
To arrive at the correct answer, we first need to understand the key concepts mentioned in the description.
1. Clusters of cells near the carotid artery in the neck sense the oxygen level in the blood.
2. If the oxygen level is too low, signals are sent to the brain.
3. The brain responds by increasing breathing rate.
4. Increased breathing rate results in more oxygen entering the bloodstream.
Now let's analyze these concepts in the context of homeostasis and negative feedback:
Homeostasis: Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. In this case, maintaining an adequate level of oxygen in the blood is part of homeostasis.
Negative feedback: Negative feedback is a mechanism that helps maintain homeostasis by reversing a change in the body and restoring it to its normal state. It acts to oppose or reduce the effects of an imbalance.
Applying this knowledge to the given description, we can see that the system is designed to regulate the oxygen level in the blood. If the oxygen level is too low, the carotid artery signals the brain, which responds by increasing breathing rate. This increased breathing rate leads to more oxygen entering the blood, ultimately restoring the oxygen level to normal.
Since this process works to reverse the initial change (low oxygen level) and restore homeostasis, it is an example of negative feedback helping to maintain homeostasis.
Therefore, the correct answer is: negative feedback helping to maintain homeostasis.