Chloride shift is a process which occurs in a cardiovascular system and refers to the exchange of bicarbonate and chloride across the membrane of red blood cells.

What is a chloride shift and why does it occur?

The chloride shift is an exchange of ions that takes place in our red blood cells in order to ensure that no build up of electric change takes place during gas exchange. Within our tissues, the cells produce a bunch of carbon dioxide molecules that are ultimately expelled by the cell and travel to the blood plasma.

What is meant by the chloride shift?

: the passage of chloride ions from the blood plasma into the red blood cells when carbon dioxide enters the plasma from the tissues and their return to the plasma when the carbon dioxide is discharged in the lungs that is a major factor both in maintenance of blood pH and in transport of carbon dioxide.