Increased blood concentration of carbon dioxide leads to a(n)________ in levels of hydrogen ions, with both causing similar effects upon the respiratory areas.

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Carbon dioxide reacts with water in the blood to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions. Therefore, an increase in carbon dioxide concentration leads to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration, causing a decrease in blood pH. This decrease in pH is detected by chemoreceptors in the respiratory areas of the brain, leading to an increase in respiration rate to get rid of the excess carbon dioxide and restore normal blood pH.

Increased Blood Concentration of Carbon Dioxide Leads to A(n)________ in Levels