Question

Untreated diabetes mellitus can lead to a condition in which the blood is more acidic than normal. What two organ systems play the largest role in compensating for acid-base imbalances?

Answer 1

Respiratory and urinary

Step-by-step explanation:

• The acid-base balance of the body is majorly regulated by the urinary and the respiratory system.
• The respiratory system maintains the acid-base balance of the body by regulation of the levels of carbonic acid produced in the body. Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide reacts with water and thus, carbonic acid contributes to the lowering of the pH and increase in acidity. Therefore, exhaling and releasing CO2 helps to maintain the pH by again raising the pH.
• The urinary system contributes to the regulation of acid-base balance as the kidneys excrete more bicarbonate in case of increased pH and this decreases hydrogen ion concentration and vice versa.