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Which system is responsible for regulating metabolic acids?
Digestive system
Renal system
Nervous system
Endocrine system
The correct answer is: Renal system
The renal system is responsible for regulating metabolic acids in the body. This process primarily occurs through the kidneys, which manage the balance of electrolytes and maintain the acid-base homeostasis. The kidneys filter blood and excrete excess hydrogen ions while reabsorbing bicarbonate, which is crucial for regulating the pH levels in the body. By adjusting the excretion of acids and bases, the renal system helps to keep the body's internal environment stable, compensating for changes that might arise from metabolism, diet, or disease. In contrast, the digestive system primarily handles the breakdown and absorption of nutrients rather than directly managing acid-base balance. The nervous system influences various bodily functions, including reflexive actions and homeostasis, but it does not directly regulate metabolic acids. The endocrine system secretes hormones that can affect metabolic processes and indirectly influence acid-base balance, but it is not the primary regulator. Thus, the renal system's specific role in maintaining acid-base equilibrium makes it the correct answer.