DEFENSES AGAINST pH DISTURBANCES

B. Respiratory Compensation (for metabolic acidosis & alkalosis)

1. response to acidosis

a. hyperventilation
b. reduced P_A-CO2
c. further reduction in plasma bicarbonate

2. response to alkalosis

a. hypoventilation
b. increased P_A-CO2
c. further increase in plasma bicarbonate

3. moderately fast, order of hours

4. because of braking (inhibiting) effect of CO₂ change, compensation cannot be complete (pH cannot return all the way to normal)

Example: Respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis