How can a change in respiration affect blood pH?
Changes in respiration can affect blood pH by altering the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. When respiration increases, more CO2 is exhaled, leading to a decrease in CO2 levels in the blood. This can cause a shift towards a more alkaline pH (respiratory alkalosis). Conversely, when respiration decreases, less CO2 is exhaled, leading to an increase in CO2 levels in the blood, resulting in a more acidic pH (respiratory acidosis).