What term describes a condition where the pH of blood drops below 7.35?

The term that describes a condition where the pH of blood drops below 7.35 is acidosis. This condition signifies that the blood has become more acidic than normal, indicating an excess of hydrogen ions or a decrease in bicarbonate concentration in the body.

Acidosis can result from various factors, including respiratory problems that impair carbon dioxide elimination or metabolic issues that lead to the accumulation of acids in the body. A drop in pH below the normal range (which is typically around 7.35 to 7.45) can have significant physiological effects and may lead to complications if not addressed.

In contrast, alkalosis refers to a condition where the blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating a more basic state. Neutrality, in this context, would imply a pH of 7.0, which is neither acid nor base, and does not directly pertain to blood pH under normal physiological conditions. Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, which is unrelated to the pH level of blood. Therefore, acidosis accurately captures the condition described in the question.