What is the role of the chloride shift in maintaining acid-base balance during carbon dioxide transport in the blood?

A It increases the pH of the blood by removing hydrogen ions
B It helps to transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs by facilitating the exchange of chloride and bicarbonate ions ✓
C It decreases the pH of the blood by adding hydrogen ions
D It is not involved in acid-base balance

Explanation

The chloride shift is a process that occurs in red blood cells, where chloride ions move into the cell and bicarbonate ions move out, helping to transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs and maintain acid-base balance.

Mnemonic

Chloride Shift = Carbon Dioxide Transport

Source

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance Physiology Acid-Base Balance Mechanisms Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high