Which organ is primarily responsible for long-term (hours to days) regulation of acid–base balance by modifying bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Kidney
The kidneys regulate acid–base balance in the long term by reabsorbing bicarbonate and secreting H⁺, thus adjusting plasma bicarbonate concentration.
Keep practicing
More Acid-base homeostasis questions
- Which part of the nephron reabsorbs approximately 70–80% of filtered bicarbonate under normal conditions?
- What compensatory mechanism does the respiratory system provide in response to a primary metabolic acidosis?
- Which of the following is the fastest acting mechanism to buffer acute changes in blood pH?
- In metabolic alkalosis, which renal adaptation helps restore normal pH over time?
- What is the major non-volatile acid elimination pathway in kidneys during chronic acid loads (e.g., metabolic acidosis)?
- Which condition describes a primary respiratory alkalosis on arterial blood gas analysis?