Question

Which two major body systems help regulate acid-base balance in the body?

Provide an example of how each of these systems accomplishes this task.

Answer 1

Acid-base balance can be defined as the requirement of an appropriate as well as a balanced amount of base and acidic compounds in the blood of the human body so that the body can function properly. The alkaline and the acidic levels are measured with the help of a pH scale. The pH level falls when the acidity level in the body is increased (acidosis), and the pH level rises when the alkalinity level in the body is increased (alkalosis).

If the acid-base is not balanced properly in the human body, then they may result in several problems like respiratory alkalosis or acidosis (in lungs), metabolic alkalosis or acidosis (in Kidneys). The two-body systems that are responsible for regulating the acid-base balance in the body are the Lungs and Kidneys.

1. · Lungs are responsible for the exchange of gases from the outside environment to the body and vice versa. The inhalation process leads to the intake of oxygen from the environment, and the exhalation process leads to the release of carbon dioxide from the body. The carbon dioxide is considered to be the respiratory acid.
2. · The kidney is responsible for excreting the waste products from the body to the outside of the body through urine or stool. The excessive acids and bases, present in the body are excreted. Due to the excretion and reabsorption of the Bicarbonate, the kidney is responsible for balancing the acid-base level in the body.