CO2 + H2O <--> H2CO3 (carbonic acid) <--> H + HCO3 (bicarbonate)

the more CO2 cells produce

the more H in blood and CSF

primary control = H in CSF

central chemoreceptor in brain recognizes pCO2 levels

if increase in pCO2 then ventilation will be stimulated

Hyperventilation

increased breathing, increased o2, decreased co2, decreased H, increased pH = alkalosis

hypoventilation

decreased breathing, decreased o2, increased co2, increased h, decreased pH, acidosis

buffer

resist changes in pH

normal pCO2

35-45 mmHg

normal bicarbonate

22-26

normal pH

7.35-7.45 ( less than 7 is acidic, more than alkalosis)