What controls the body's respiratory rate?

The respiratory rate of the body is primarily controlled by the brain's respiratory center, which is located in the medulla oblongata and the pons. This center receives information from various receptors in the body that monitor carbon dioxide levels, oxygen levels, and the acidity of the blood. When carbon dioxide levels rise or oxygen levels drop, the respiratory center responds by adjusting the rate and depth of breathing to maintain homeostasis. This regulation helps ensure that the body receives adequate oxygen and removes carbon dioxide effectively.

The other options, while involved in the overall functioning of the body, do not directly control the respiratory rate. The heart is responsible for pumping blood and does influence oxygen delivery but does not dictate how fast or slow we breathe. The stomach is involved in digestion and does not play a direct role in respiratory control. The lungs, while essential for gas exchange, do not regulate breathing; they respond to signals from the brain's respiratory center to facilitate respiration.