Final answer:
In acidosis, the pulmonary vessels respond by releasing excess CO₂ and buffering hydrogen ions to maintain normal pH. Peripheral chemoreceptors also stimulate increased ventilation to remove carbon dioxide from the blood and increase systemic pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the CO₂/HCO₃ system, when acidosis occurs and there is an increase in hydrogen ions (H+) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, the pulmonary vessels respond to maintain pH balance. The excess CO₂ is released in the lungs and exhaled into the atmosphere, while the hydrogen ions are buffered by hemoglobin. This buffering helps to maintain normal pH. Additionally, the peripheral chemoreceptors sense the acidic pH levels and stimulate an increase in ventilation to remove carbon dioxide from the blood at a quicker rate, which helps to reduce hydrogen ions and increase systemic pH.