Answer:
The body has several mechanisms to correct an acid-base imbalance. One of the most important mechanisms is the respiratory system, which uses the breathing reflex to maintain acid-base balance. When the pH of the blood decreases, the respiratory system increases respiratory rate to remove more carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of cellular metabolism and is a potent respiratory acid that lowers the pH of the blood. By increasing respiratory rate, the carbon dioxide is removed and the pH of the blood returns to normal.
Another example of how the body corrects an acid-base imbalance is through the use of bicarbonate. When the pH of the blood decreases, bicarbonate is excreted by the kidneys. Bicarbonate is a weak base that will neutralize acids in the body and raise the pH of the blood.
An example of acid-base imbalance is acidosis, which occurs when the blood becomes too acidic. The body will use the above mechanisms to correct the acidosis by removing carbon dioxide and excreting bicarbonate.