Chapter 4: Problem 25

Which system helps control pH balance? a. digestive b. urinary c. respiratory d. Both b and c are correct.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Both the urinary and respiratory systems are involved in controlling the pH balance in the body. The urinary system regulates the acid-base balance by excreting excess hydrogen ions and conserving bicarbonate ions, while the respiratory system controls the carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'd. Both b and c are correct.'

Step by step solution

Introduce the systems and their role in pH balance

To answer this question, we need to understand the roles of the digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems in our body and how they affect the pH balance.

Digestive System

The digestive system's primary role is to break down food into energy and to eliminate waste products. It is not involved in controlling the pH balance directly, so we can eliminate option 'a'.

Urinary System

The urinary system plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the acid-base balance in the blood by excreting excess hydrogen ions (H+) and conserving bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) in response to changes in the blood's pH. This makes option 'b' a possible answer.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system is also involved in controlling the pH balance. The lungs help regulate the acid-base balance by controlling the carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. When the blood pH decreases (becomes more acidic), the body increases its rate of respiration, ultimately releasing more CO2 and raising the pH. If the blood pH increases (becomes more basic), the body decreases its rate of respiration, retaining CO2 and lowering the pH. This implies option 'c' is also a possible answer.

Conclusion

Both the urinary and respiratory systems are involved in controlling the pH balance in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'd. Both b and c are correct.'

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Which system helps control pH balance? a. digestive b. urinary c. respiratory d. Both b and c are correct.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduce the systems and their role in pH balance

Digestive System

Urinary System

Respiratory System

Conclusion

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