What happens to carbon dioxide during respiration?

During respiration, carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the metabolic processes occurring within the cells, particularly during the breakdown of glucose for energy. This carbon dioxide enters the bloodstream and is transported to the lungs, where it is then exhaled. This process is critical for maintaining the body's acid-base balance and controlling the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Upon completion of cellular respiration, carbon dioxide diffuses from the tissues into the blood, primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions, and is carried to the lungs. At the alveoli, carbon dioxide then diffuses from the blood into the air sacs of the lungs, where it can be expelled from the body during exhalation. This exchange of gases, known as respiration, is vital for ensuring that oxygen can be delivered to cells while removing carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolic activity. The lungs serve as the primary site for this exchange, emphasizing the importance of pulmonary function in the overall respiratory process.