A decrease in blood pH below normal tends to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A decrease in blood pH below normal (acidosis) stimulates the respiratory center in the brain to increase the rate and depth of breathing (hyperventilation) in an attempt to decrease the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and thus increase blood pH. This is an example of respiratory compensation. Option B is incorrect because hypoventilation would further increase the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and exacerbate the acidosis. Option C is also incorrect because a decrease in blood pH already represents an excess of hydrogen ions and not a decrease, so there would be no need for compensatory increase in hydrogen ion concentration through the respiratory system.

A Decrease in Blood PH Below Normal Tends To