Final answer:
Chloride homeostasis is achieved mainly as a result of Na+ homeostasis. The kidneys play a major role in maintaining chloride homeostasis by reabsorbing or excreting chloride ions as needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chloride homeostasis is achieved mainly as a result of Na+ homeostasis.
The kidneys play a major role in maintaining chloride homeostasis by reabsorbing or excreting chloride ions as needed. In the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT), hydrogen ions (H+) are actively secreted into the urine, which helps regulate blood pH. As a result, chloride ions are reabsorbed from the filtrate to maintain electrical neutrality. In the collecting ducts, proton pumps in intercalated cells secrete hydrogen ions, including chloride ions, into the urine to remove them from the body.