In the brain, there are respiratory centers that are the central control of ventilation. They are located within the brainstem and their job is to adjust ventilation when they receive signals of changes in the chemical composition. Changes in the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide or oxygen and changes in blood pH have a major effect on ventilation. For example, when the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide and blood pH are altered, it sends a message to the respiratory control center in order for it to adjust the concentrations. At rest, the receptors that maintain ventilation are the central and peripheral chemoreceptors. The peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the brain, carotid bodies, lungs, and muscles. They can
