Answer:
1. Respiratory Regulation
2. Respiratory Regulation
Explanation:
Yes, the lungs play a significant role in maintaining homeostatic blood pH. Let me explain how:
Respiratory Regulation:
The respiratory system manipulates the flow of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to help maintain acid-alkali balance.
When CO₂ levels increase, it leads to the production of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), making the blood more acidic.
In response, the brain’s respiratory control center prompts the lungs to increase respiration rate, expelling surplus CO₂.
By removing excess CO₂, the lungs help lower blood carbonic acid levels and aid in bringing pH levels back to normal.
Efficiency of Buffer Systems:
The bicarbonate buffer system is quantitatively the largest buffer system in the blood.
Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the reaction between CO₂ and water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and its inverse reaction.
Bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) bind with H⁺ from introduced acids, while introduced bases receive a donated H⁺ from carbonic acid, effectively neutralizing them.
This buffer system can react within seconds to minutes to counteract changes in pH.
Additionally, other buffer systems, such as plasma proteins and phosphate, contribute to maintaining blood pH.
In summary, the lungs contribute to maintaining blood pH by regulating CO₂ levels through respiration, which directly affects pH status.
