Which of the following factors primarily determines airway resistance in the respiratory system?

The bicarbonate buffering system in the blood helps maintain pH homeostasis by converting carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. When carbon dioxide (CO₂) dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which can dissociate into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). This reversible reaction, catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, allows the blood to neutralize excess acids or bases. For example, when the blood becomes too acidic, bicarbonate binds H⁺ to form carbonic acid, which can be converted back into CO₂ and exhaled via the lungs. This system is the primary extracellular buffer, critical for stabilizing pH during metabolic and respiratory changes.

Correct answer: False

Asthma prevalence varies across different racial and ethnic groups. Epidemiological studies show that asthma is more prevalent among African American and Hispanic populations compared with Caucasian individuals. Factors such as genetics, environmental exposures, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare contribute to these differences. While asthma can affect people of any race, assuming it is most common in Caucasians is inaccurate. Public health data emphasize that minority populations often experience higher rates of asthma morbidity and mortality, highlighting the importance of targeted prevention and management strategies in these groups.