Final answer:
The normal ratio of bicarbonate concentration to carbon dioxide concentration in arterial blood is 20:1, which is essential for the body's acid-base balance. This bicarbonate buffer system is regulated by the renal and respiratory systems, ensuring proper pH is maintained.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal ratio of bicarbonate concentration to carbon dioxide concentration in arterial blood is critical for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. This ratio is governed by the bicarbonate buffer system, which acts to resist changes in pH. According to reference values provided for arterial blood, when the pH is within the normal range, bicarbonate ions and carbonic acid are in a 20:1 ratio. In this buffer system, there is a significant predominance of bicarbonate ions compared to carbonic acid, which is indicative of the bicarbonate's role in neutralizing acids present in the bloodstream.
Bicarbonate levels are regulated primarily by the renal system, while carbon dioxide levels are managed by the respiratory system. Carbon dioxide can be converted to carbonic acid in the blood, but its levels are controlled through exhalation in the lungs. This delicate balance is a prime example of the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis, particularly the acid-base balance, which is essential for proper physiological functioning.Therefore, the correct answer to the question of the ratio of bicarbonate to carbon dioxide concentration in arterial blood is d) 20:1.