Question

The respiratory system is one of the three systems that regulate acid-base balance in the body. How does it work to decrease an acidosis?

a. Carbonic acid converts a strong acid to a weak acid, thus decreasing acidity. b. Carbonic acid is converted to bicarbonate, which then buffers the acid.
c. Carbonic acid is broken down into water and CO2; the CO2 is then exhaled.
d. Carbonic acid is converted to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions.

Answer 1

c. Carbonic acid is broken down into water and CO2; the CO2 is then exhaled.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most of the CO2 is transported as bicarbonate ions. In blood plasma and RBCs, carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid. This reaction is favored inside RBCs by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic acid dissociates and forms hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. The released hydrogen ions lower down the pH of the blood. As the blood pH is lowered down below the set point, the equilibrium shifts towards the breakdown of carbonic acid into CO2 and water. The released CO2 is removed from the body by expiration.

Acidosis activates the respiratory centers, chemoreceptors of the medulla, the aortic bodies, and carotid bodies. Nerve impulses are sent to stimulate the rate of breathing. Removal of CO2 from the blood hydrogen ion concentration in the blood.