The Slightly Lower PH of Venous Blood Compared with Arterial

Question

The slightly lower pH of venous blood compared with arterial blood comes primarily from
A) absorbing hydrochloric acid from the digestive system
B) the lactic acid from muscle metabolism
C) the higher concentration of carbonic acid from cell metabolism
D) all of the above

Accepted Answer

The slightly lower pH of venous blood compared to arterial blood is primarily due to the higher concentration of carbonic acid resulting from cell metabolism. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, dissolves in blood and forms carbonic acid, slightly lowering the pH of venous blood.