Which acid is referred to as respiratory acid?

Respiratory acid is primarily identified as carbonic acid. This designation comes from the role carbonic acid plays in the respiratory system, particularly in the regulation of carbon dioxide and pH balance in the body. When carbon dioxide is produced during cellular respiration, it diffuses into the bloodstream and reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This process is crucial for maintaining acid-base homeostasis.

When there is an increase in carbon dioxide levels, more carbonic acid is formed, which can lead to a decrease in blood pH, creating a more acidic environment. This mechanism is fundamentally linked to the respiratory system's function, where the lungs help eliminate carbon dioxide, thereby influencing the levels of carbonic acid in the blood. Understanding this relationship is essential in comprehending how respiratory function impacts overall acid-base balance in the body.