How do kidneys respond to respiratory acidosis?

How do kidneys respond to respiratory acidosis?

• A. increasing the secretion of magnesium
• B. exchanging sodium for calcium
• C. increasing the retention of bicarbonate
• D. exchanging potassium for hydrogen

Answer: (C)

The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. In the case of respiratory acidosis, which occurs due to an increase in carbon dioxide levels leading to a decrease in blood pH, the kidneys compensate for this imbalance by increasing the retention of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer that helps neutralize excess hydrogen ions in the blood, thereby helping to restore normal pH levels. By increasing bicarbonate retention, the kidneys enhance the body's ability to manage the acidotic state caused by respiratory issues, thus playing a protective role in maintaining homeostasis. This response is a key physiological mechanism that underscores the interplay between the respiratory and renal systems in regulating acid-base balance.

The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. In the case of respiratory acidosis, which occurs due to an increase in carbon dioxide levels leading to a decrease in blood pH, the kidneys compensate for this imbalance by increasing the retention of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer that helps neutralize excess hydrogen ions in the blood, thereby helping to restore normal pH levels.

By increasing bicarbonate retention, the kidneys enhance the body's ability to manage the acidotic state caused by respiratory issues, thus playing a protective role in maintaining homeostasis. This response is a key physiological mechanism that underscores the interplay between the respiratory and renal systems in regulating acid-base balance.