Expert: Walter Hintz - 5/1/2006

Question
Dear Sir,
I have a paper to write '' Co2 is toxic and must be removed from the body, discuss in detail how this happens''

I have researched the information to be included in this, pH, homeostasis, chemoreceptors, medula oblongata, the diaphragm, dynamics of ventilation ect.The thing is i am very confused as to where to start with this, it appears to have a logical order of 'events' but i just dont know where to begin. Any help you could offer, pointing me in the right direction would be greatly received and appreciated.
kind regards
amie

Answer
Hi Amie;  CO2 ia a component of the air we breath.  It is not a toxin so I do not know where this statement came from. It is a major component in the venous system because it is a byproduct of cellular metabolism. It is true that iit is eliminated from the body through the lungs.  In the alveoli CO2 and O2 are exchanged but therfe is always some CO2 in the system.
As to your question I would start with the exchange of CO2 and O2 at the cellular level and go to the exchange in the pulmonary circulation.  You can then add in the controll mechanisms;the role of the brain and chemoreceptors