An instructor explains the role of the respiratory system in maintaining proper acid-base balance in the blood. A student demonstrates understanding by saying:
A) "When body fluids become too acidic, the lungs remove excess hydrogen from the blood."
B) "When the blood is too alkaline, the lungs excrete more sodium bicarbonate into the atmosphere."
C) "The lungs work much slower than the kidneys, changing the pH balance over a period of days rather than hours."
D) "The lungs remove excess carbon dioxide to decrease the acidity of the blood."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory system helps in maintaining proper acid-base balance in the blood by removing excess carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a mildly acidic compound, and when it mixes with water in the body, it creates carbonic acid. The lungs help to remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream, which reduces the level of acid in the blood and maintains the proper pH balance.

An Instructor Explains the Role of the Respiratory System in Maintaining