Final answer:
True, the respiratory system plays a key role in regulating bloodstream pH by adjusting carbon dioxide levels through the rate and depth of breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the primary functions of the respiratory system is to regulate the pH of the bloodstream by removing CO2 from the blood. The respiratory system achieves this through a process where CO2 is expelled during exhalation, effectively reducing the levels of carbonic acid in the blood, and thereby affecting the pH. The homeostasis of blood pH is crucial for proper physiological function, and when blood pH strays from the normal range, the body can adjust respiratory rates to correct the imbalance. For instance, an increase in respiratory rate can help correct acidosis (low pH), while a decrease can correct alkalosis (high pH). These adjustments are fast-acting responses facilitated by the lungs, which work in synergy with the kidneys—though the kidneys adjust pH through slower biochemical pathways.
When an individual exercises strenuously, an increase in CO2 production can occur. In response, the body's respiratory rate increases, which serves to remove excess CO2 and prevent a drop in blood pH, a condition known as acidosis. Conversely, conditions that cause excessive CO2 loss, such as hyperventilation, can lead to an increase in blood pH, resulting in alkalosis. This underlines the critical role of the respiratory system in maintaining the acid-base balance within the body.