How does the respiratory system control carbonic acid concentration and pH?

Answer 1

when there is to much carbonic acid the body increases rate and depth of respiration to reduce the co2, which reduces the carbonic acid,(water in the plasma + co2 = h2co3 . when the co2 level goes down below normal levels, respirations slow and become more shallow to retain co2 which increases the carbonic acid, and adjusts the blood ph.

Answer 2

When the brain detects a low blood PH (acidosis), it increases the breathing rate to blow off more CO2. CO2 is an acid in the blood, so blowing more off tends to increase the PH of the blood. When the brain detects high blood PH (alkalosis), it slows the breathing rate to slow the blowing off of CO2, thereby lowering the PH of the blood. The breathing rate is regulated primarily by this PH balancing mechanism, unless you have end-stage COPD.

Answer 3

Respiratory regulation of acid-base balance of the blood utilizes the bicarbonate buffer system and the fact that CO2 and H2O are in reversible equilibrium with H2CO3. Acidosis activates the respiratory center to increase respiratory rate and depth, which eliminates more CO2 and causes blood pH to rise. Alkalosis depresses the respiratory center, resulting in CO2 retention and a fall in blood pH.

Answer 4

Yes, exhaling carbon dioxide keeps our blood from getting too acidic. No matter how long we try to hold our breath, its the drop in pH of the blood that will trigger us to take a breath whether we want to or not.

Answer 5

CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3 --> HCO3- + H+