What percent of Carbon Dioxide is typically exhaled by the human body?

The correct answer highlights that a typical range for the percentage of carbon dioxide exhaled by the human body falls between 2.6% to 6.6%. This range reflects the physiological processes of respiration, where oxygen is inhaled and utilized by the body, generating carbon dioxide as a waste product.

When air is inhaled, it contains a much lower percentage of carbon dioxide (approximately 0.04% in normal atmospheric conditions). However, the body metabolizes nutrients and releases carbon dioxide, significantly increasing its concentration in exhaled air. This process is essential for regulating blood pH and maintaining the body’s acid-base balance.

The percentage chosen accurately indicates the typical concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, which includes not only the CO2 produced during metabolism but also factors such as individual metabolic rates and physical activity levels. Understanding this content is vital for a comprehensive grasp of human physiology, especially in contexts related to respiration and metabolic processes.