Final answer:
The lungs and kidneys are the two main organs that manage the body's acid-base balance through the bicarbonate buffer system, by controlling the levels of carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two organs that control the buffer systems regulating the body's acid-base balance are the lungs and the kidneys.
The bicarbonate buffer system is essential for maintaining the pH levels in the blood and extracellular fluids. It operates through a reversible reaction that involves carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The lungs control the amount of carbonic acid by exhaling CO2, which can rapidly affect the pH of blood by converting bicarbonate into carbon dioxide. On the other hand, the kidneys manage the acid-base balance by filtering and excreting hydrogen ions, as well as producing bicarbonate that helps neutralize acids.
This renal process is slower but has a great capacity for maintaining homeostasis. The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the kidneys plays a significant role in actively secreting hydrogen ions into the urine while reabsorbing sodium ions, thus expelling excess acids and regulating blood pH. Additionally, in the collecting ducts, intercalated cells have proton pumps that further aid in secreting hydrogen ions to manage the body's pH levels.