During metabolic acidosis, what is the ventilatory response and its physiological purpose?
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Correct answer: Increased ventilation to 'blow off' CO2 and raise blood pH
Peripheral chemoreceptors detect the increased H+ concentration in the blood. The resulting increase in ventilation (Kussmaul breathing) reduces PCO2, which helps shift the equilibrium of the bicarbonate buffer system to increase blood pH toward normal.
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