What physiological response is commonly triggered by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)?

Increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body lead to a physiological response aimed at maintaining homeostasis. When CO2 levels rise, it indicates that there is an excess of carbonic acid, resulting in a drop in pH levels in the blood. This condition, known as hypercapnia, triggers chemoreceptors that monitor blood gas levels.

As a response, the body increases the breathing rate to expel more CO2 and restore a normal pH balance. The muscles involved in respiration, particularly the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, become more active, facilitating an increase in tidal volume and respiratory rate. This increased ventilation helps to quickly reduce CO2 levels and is a crucial mechanism for maintaining proper respiration and acid-base balance in the body.

The other options do not align with the body's response to elevated CO2 levels. For instance, a decreased heart rate typically results from high oxygen levels or low CO2 levels, while drowsiness can be caused by factors such as low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels but is not the primary response to increased CO2. Loss of muscle control is not a direct physiological response to increased CO2 levels and usually relates to other medical conditions or effects of extreme acidity or toxicity. Thus