WoodsN0

Would it be safe to say the carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer system is self contained and H+ is only added minimally to the system but mostly just changes form?

ok - I must still be be missing something... so... this buffer system can adjust easily and quickly for changes in pH brought about by causes other than CO2 generated H2CO3. Why can't it handle elevated CO2 from a respiratory problem? If there is an abundance of both carbonic acid and bicarbonate - why cant the system handle extra H+ generated by the elevated CO2?

Could someone explain what is meant by "a buffer system cannot buffer itself" in relation to the carbonic acid:bicarbonate buffer system of the body? thank you