What compensatory mechanism occurs in response to metabolic acidosis?

In response to metabolic acidosis, the body employs several compensatory mechanisms to restore acid-base balance, with an increased respiratory rate being one of the key responses. This physiological adjustment occurs because metabolic acidosis results in an excess of hydrogen ions (H+) in the bloodstream, leading to a decrease in blood pH.

To counteract this acidity, the respiratory system responds by increasing the rate and depth of respirations, a process known as hyperventilation. By doing so, the body expels more carbon dioxide (CO2), which is in equilibrium with carbonic acid in the blood. As CO2 levels decrease, the reaction shifts to the left, reducing the concentration of hydrogen ions and thereby raising the pH back toward normal. This response is relatively rapid, usually observable within minutes to hours, and serves as an immediate means to help the body cope with the acid-base disturbance brought on by metabolic acidosis.

The other mechanisms involving renal compensation, such as increased renal excretion of hydrogen ions, take longer to manifest, typically requiring hours to days to have a significant impact on acid-base status. Thus, while these renal adaptations also play a role in addressing metabolic acidosis over a longer period, the immediate and effective compensatory response is the increased