Question

acid-base imbalances can be addressed by changing the rate of respiration?

True

False

Answer 1

Answer- The given statement is true

Explanation- Acid–base imbalances can be compensated in the short term by changing the rate of ventilation . This buffering system is based on the principal that carbon dioxide (CO2) can be shifted through carbonic acid (H2CO3) to hydrogen ions and bicarbonate (HCO3−). A high concentration of carbon dioxide leads to more production of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions which leads to acidity in the blood while decrease the concentration of carbon dioxide leads to alkalinity.

• When the CO2 level in the blood rises (as it does when you hold your breath), the excess CO2 reacts with water to form additional carbonic acid, lowering blood pH.
• Increasing the rate and/or depth of respiration (which you might feel the “urge” to do after holding your breath) allows you to exhale more CO2.
• The loss of CO2 from the body reduces blood levels of carbonic acid and thereby adjusts the pH upward, toward normal levels.
• This process also works in the opposite direction. Excessive deep and rapid breathing (as in hyperventilation) rids the blood of CO2 and reduces the level of carbonic acid, making the blood too alkaline.