Final answer:
During the intermittent phase, the kidney undergoes metabolic changes such as the conservation of bicarbonate ions and secretion of hydrogen ions. The kidney is also involved in the production of ketone bodies during fasting or starvation.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the intermittent phase, several metabolic changes occur in the kidney. One important change is the conservation of bicarbonate ions and secretion of hydrogen ions, which help maintain the acid-base balance in the body. These processes are part of the kidney's metabolic compensation for respiratory diseases that can cause acidosis. In addition, the kidney plays a role in the production of ketone bodies during prolonged fasting or starvation.