During physical exercise a lot of Carbon Dioxide is found in the muscles in the form of Carbonic
acid.
These Carbonic acid levels that are high is very dangerous to the body.
Describe step by step how the body copes with these high levels.
1. During physical exercise, the muscles require an increased supply of oxygen. To meet this demand, the body increases the rate and depth of breathing.
2. As the person breathes in, oxygen is inhaled into the lungs. The oxygen molecules then diffuse from the air sacs in the lungs into the capillaries surrounding them.
3. The oxygenated blood is carried by the circulatory system to the muscles. In the muscles, cellular respiration takes place, where oxygen reacts with glucose to release energy and produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
4. As the muscles generate carbon dioxide, it diffuses out of the muscle cells into the surrounding interstitial fluid. From there, it enters the capillaries.
5. The carbon dioxide-rich blood returns to the heart and is pumped to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries. In the lungs, the carbon dioxide molecules diffuse from the capillaries into the air sacs.
6. During exhalation, the person breathes out the carbon dioxide-laden air, expelling it from the body. This process helps to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the body and decrease the concentration of carbonic acid in the muscles.
7. Additionally, the carbon dioxide that enters the bloodstream reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), creating an acidic environment.
8. To buffer the increased acidity caused by carbonic acid, the body relies on the bicarbonate buffer system. This system helps to maintain the pH balance in the body and prevents a drastic drop in blood pH.
9. The bicarbonate ions formed from the carbonic acid reaction act as weak bases and can accept excess hydrogen ions. This helps to regulate the pH within an optimal range.
10. The kidneys also play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance. They filter the blood and excrete excess hydrogen ions and acidic metabolites in the urine, helping to regulate the body's acid-base balance.
By increasing ventilation, diffusion, and buffering systems, the body copes with the high levels of carbonic acid produced during physical exercise. This ensures that the muscles receive adequate oxygen and that the pH balance in the body is maintained within a healthy range.