Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

22. The Respiratory System

Introduction to Lung Physiology

Anatomy & Physiology

22. The Respiratory System

Introduction to Lung Physiology

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Multiple Choice

How does the respiratory system work to decrease acidosis?

By increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more carbon dioxide

By decreasing the rate of breathing to retain more carbon dioxide

By reducing the oxygen intake to balance pH levels

By increasing the production of bicarbonate ions in the blood

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand that acidosis is a condition where there is an excess of acid in the body fluids, often due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.

Recognize that the respiratory system helps regulate blood pH by controlling the levels of CO2, which is a component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.

When CO2 levels in the blood increase, it leads to the formation of more carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate, lowering the pH and causing acidosis.

To counteract acidosis, the respiratory system can increase the rate and depth of breathing (hyperventilation) to expel more CO2, thereby reducing the acid load and increasing the pH back towards normal.

Consider the options given: Increasing breathing rate expels more CO2, decreasing breathing retains CO2, reducing oxygen intake does not directly affect CO2 levels, and bicarbonate production is more related to renal compensation rather than respiratory. Thus, the correct mechanism involves increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more CO2.