Respiratory Mechanism


The respiratory mechanism is a way of controlling how much carbon dioxide is in the blood. Elevating arterial CO2 or decreasing pH increases the rhythmic stimulation of the respiratory muscles by the medulla.


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Increasing ventilation will increase oxygenation
True
False


CO2 is a by-product of metabolism. As long as the cells are functioning, they will produce CO2.


When combined with water, carbon dioxide becomes carbonic acid (H2CO3):

CO2 + H2O <--> H2CO3


CO2's affinity for hemoglobin is much less than oxygen's.

There is less oxygen and more CO2 near the cells.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW ANIMATED DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROCESS!


As we learned above, acid lowers the pH.


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Elevated PaCO2 raises the acidity of blood.
True
False

Points to remember:

  1. Respiratory mechanism (depth and rate of breathing) controls CO2
  2. CO2 in solution is an acid.
  3. Higher PaCO2 causes acidosis (lower pH), or neutralizes alkalosis.
  4. Lower PaCO2 causes alkalosis (raises pH.), or neutralizes acidosis.

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