Hypoxia occurs when a region of the body is deprived of oxygen. Hypoxia is a very dangerous condition when the brain is affected, for neurons can begin to die off within a matter of minutes, especially in cases of complete oxygen deprivation, or anoxia. Anaerobic metabolism occurs when the cells are not receiving oxygen, which results in a buildup of lactic acid, and could lead to cell death if oxygen is not soon introduced. Chemoreceptors in the carotid body are able to detect changes in the oxygen level of cells, and cause a response of vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow and allow for greater perfusion. In contrast, the muscles and blood vessels in the lungs constrict, redirecting the flow of oxygen back into the alveoli to allow for a greater rate of gas exchange. Other methods of restoring oxygen levels include hyperventilation and adaptation, which is controlled by the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). In response to hypoxia response elements, HIF-1 is able to control microRNAs, which can help the body adapt to low levels of oxygen through routes such as metabolic, apoptotic, proliferative, and angiogenic adaptations. The most easily seen response to hypoxia is hyperventilation, which increases the activity of the respiratory system, but may actually be detrimental to the body if the carbon dioxide levels get too low and cause the blood vessels to re-constrict and may also change the pH of the bloodstream.
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