Final answer:
Respiratory alkalosis, caused by a deficiency of carbonic acid and CO2, leads to decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) due to vasoconstriction. Respiratory acidosis, characterized by excess carbonic acid from CO2 accumulation, causes increased CBF through vasodilation. Correct responses are that respiratory alkalosis decreases CBF and respiratory acidosis increases CBF.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the effects of respiratory acidosis and alkalosis on cerebral blood flow (CBF). Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis are conditions affecting the acid-base balance of the blood due to changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. When we talk about respiratory alkalosis, we're referring to a condition where there is a deficiency of carbonic acid and CO2 levels in the blood, typically resulting from hyperventilation. Conversely, respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of carbonic acid in the blood, caused by an accumulation of CO2 due to inadequate ventilation.
Respiratory alkalosis generally leads to a decrease in CBF because the lower CO2 levels in the blood cause the cerebral blood vessels to constrict. In contrast, respiratory acidosis usually results in an increase in CBF as higher levels of CO2 cause the cerebral vessels to dilate to allow more blood flow. Therefore, the correct answers are a) Respiratory alkalosis decreases CBF and d) Respiratory acidosis increases CBF.