Final answer:
The compensation for metabolic acidosis involves an increase in respiratory rate to get rid of carbon dioxide (CO2) and readjust the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by lower-than-normal amounts of bicarbonate in the blood. The compensation for metabolic acidosis involves an increase in respiratory rate to get rid of carbon dioxide (CO2) and readjust the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid. This adjustment can occur within minutes. However, the respiratory route is less efficient at compensating for metabolic alkalosis than for acidosis. In cases of metabolic alkalosis, the normal response of the respiratory system is to decrease the amount of CO2 in the blood by decreasing the respiratory rate to conserve CO2.