Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

In the case of respiratory acidosis, the blood pH decreases. This condition arises when the lungs are unable to remove enough carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the bloodstream. As CO2 levels rise, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to release hydrogen ions. The increase in hydrogen ions results in a drop in blood pH, making the blood more acidic.

This process underscores the importance of proper respiratory function in maintaining acid-base balance within the body. When the respiratory system is impaired, either due to chronic conditions like COPD or acute issues like pneumonia, the body struggles to regulate its acid-base status, leading to the characteristic decrease in blood pH associated with respiratory acidosis.