During heavy exercise, ventilation increases almost immediately, often before any changes in arterial blood gases are detected. What is the primary cause of this initial increase?
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Correct answer: Feed-forward drive from the cerebral cortex and limb and joint proprioceptors
The initial rapid rise in ventilation during exercise is mediated by neural factors, including motor impulses from the cerebral cortex (anticipatory) and sensory input from proprioceptors in moving limbs. This ensures oxygen delivery and CO2 removal match the increased metabolic demand instantly.
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