Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

Maintains the body's acid-base balance (i.e. the blood pH).

• Bicarbonate from the kidneys binds with free (acidic) hydrogen ions (H+) in the bloodstream to form Carbonic Acid.
• Carbonic acid is broken down into Carbon Dioxide and water (H2O), after which CO2 is exhaled by the lungs.