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

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

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3:41 minutes

Problem 17

Textbook Question

Describe the role of the respiratory system in controlling acid-base balance.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of acid-base balance: The body maintains a stable pH level (around 7.35-7.45) to ensure proper cellular function. The respiratory system plays a key role in regulating this balance by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.

Learn the relationship between CO2 and pH: CO2 combines with water (H2O) in the blood to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻). This reaction is represented as:

{CO}_{2} + H_{2} O_{2} \leftrightarrow H_{2} {CO}_{3} \leftrightarrow H + {HCO}_{3}

. An increase in CO2 leads to more H+ ions, lowering pH (acidosis), while a decrease in CO2 reduces H+ ions, raising pH (alkalosis).

Explore how the respiratory system adjusts CO2 levels: The respiratory system regulates CO2 through ventilation. Faster breathing (hyperventilation) expels more CO2, reducing H+ concentration and increasing pH. Slower breathing (hypoventilation) retains CO2, increasing H+ concentration and lowering pH.

Understand the role of chemoreceptors: Specialized sensors called chemoreceptors in the brainstem and blood vessels detect changes in CO2, O2, and pH levels. When pH drops (acidosis), chemoreceptors signal the respiratory centers in the brain to increase breathing rate and depth to expel CO2. Conversely, when pH rises (alkalosis), they signal to slow breathing.

Connect the respiratory system to homeostasis: By adjusting ventilation, the respiratory system helps maintain acid-base balance, ensuring the body's pH remains within the optimal range for enzyme function, cellular processes, and overall health.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Respiratory System Function

The respiratory system is primarily responsible for gas exchange, facilitating the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. This process is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the body, as it directly influences blood pH levels through the regulation of carbon dioxide concentration.

Acid-Base Balance

Acid-base balance refers to the mechanisms that maintain the pH of the body fluids within a narrow range, typically around 7.35 to 7.45. The balance is achieved through various systems, including the respiratory system, which can adjust the levels of carbonic acid in the blood by altering the rate of respiration.

Carbon Dioxide and pH Relationship

Carbon dioxide (CO2) plays a critical role in acid-base balance as it can combine with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. An increase in CO2 levels leads to a decrease in pH (more acidic), while a decrease in CO2 results in a higher pH (more alkaline), highlighting the respiratory system's role in regulating blood acidity.