What two organs in the body serve as a compensatory function to maintain acid-base balance?
A. Kidneys and Lungs
B. Lungs and Spleen
C. Heart and Liver
D. Gallbladder and Appendix
Correct Answer: A. Kidneys and Lungs
The carbonic acid concentration is controlled by the amount of carbon dioxide excreted by the lungs. The bicarbonate concentration is controlled by the kidneys, which selectively retain or excrete bicarbonate in response to the body’s needs.