Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

The respiratory regulation of acid-base balance is a physiological process wherein the body adjusts its breathing rate in response to changes in the pH of the plasma.

It works by regulating carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Since carbon dioxide readily combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen and bicarbonate ions, an increase in carbon dioxide levels decreases the pH.

Conversely, when carbon dioxide levels decrease, hydrogen levels drop, increasing the blood pH.

Changes in blood pH can be detected by central chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata and peripheral chemoreceptors in the aortic and carotid bodies, which send signals to the respiratory centers in the brain.

These respiratory centers elevate the breathing rate, increasing carbon dioxide exhalation and raising the blood pH, during acidosis.

When blood becomes excessively alkaline, the respiratory center suppresses breathing, resulting in an accumulation of carbon dioxide. This leads to higher levels of hydrogen ions and a decreased blood pH.