Q42.6-1CC. How does an increase in the CO2 ... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 42: Q42.6-1CC. (page 944)

How does an increase in the CO2 concentration in the blood affect the pH of cerebrospinal fluid?

Short Answer

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The rate of CO2 diffusion into the cerebrospinal fluid rises with the increase in the CO2 concentration in the bloodstream. The pH of the cerebrospinal decreases when CO2 combines with the water to form carbonic acid.

The hydrogen ions get released by the dissociation of carbonic acid. The hydrogen ions increase the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Step by step solution

Physiology

The biology branch dealing with the scientific study of the mechanism of the body's functions and its parts is called physiology. The chemical and physical processes of the organ system of different organisms are studied under this branch.

It aims to understand the complicated relationship between different organ systems.

Physiology of carbon dioxide transport

The metabolic process (glycolysis and citric acid cycle) releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct at the cellular level. It is eliminated through exhalation from the lungs.

The level of carbon dioxide in the body plays a significant role in regulating the pH of the blood, internal respiration, and many other functions to keep the normal body functions. Hypercapnia is the result of the retention of carbon dioxide in the body.

The carbon dioxide is transported to the lungs from the peripheral tissues through the bloodstream by three main methods. Those are dissolved gas, bicarbonates, and carbaminohemoglobin.

Effect of increase in the level of carbon dioxide on cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid is present in tissues that surround the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This fluid removes metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide from the brain.

When the CO2 level is high, the concentration of hydrogen ions in the bloodstream rises due to the formation of carbolic acid. It leads to the lowering of pH and results in acidosis. Thus, the cerebrospinal fluid attains acidic nature when carbon dioxide increases in the bloodstream.