Acid-Base Balance and Compensation Mechanisms

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Questions and Answers

What is the principal effect of acidosis on the body?

Stimulation of the CNS

Depression of the CNS through a decrease in synaptic transmission (correct)

Stimulation of the respiratory center

Stimulation of the kidneys

What is the primary way that the kidneys compensate for acidosis?

Excreting lactic acid

Retaining hydrogen ions

Excreting bicarbonate ions

Eliminating hydrogen ions and retaining bicarbonate ions (correct)

What is the term for a high level of CO2 in the blood?

Hypercapnia (correct)

Hyperventilation

Hypoventilation

Metabolic acidosis

What is the term for the excess of carbonic acid in the blood?

Carbonic acid excess Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of bicarbonate ion concentration in the blood?

Above 22 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of chronic respiratory acidosis?

Emphysema Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pH range of human extracellular fluids?

7.35 - 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of acid in the body?

Metabolic byproducts of lipids and proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of buffer systems in acid-base regulation?

To exchange strong acids for weak acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of acid-base imbalance on hormonal activity?

It can affect hormonal activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of respiratory regulation of acid-base balance?

Increased ventilation to remove excess CO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the kidneys reabsorb or secrete acids to maintain acid-base balance?

Renal acid secretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system in the body?

To maintain a 20:1 ratio of HCO3:H2CO3 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the phosphate buffer system?

It is the major intracellular buffer Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of increased H+ secretion in the proximal tubule?

Increased reabsorption of HCO3- ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the body's response to acid-base imbalance?

Compensation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the respiratory system in regulating pH?

It regulates pH by changing the rate and depth of breathing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acid-Base Balance

pH range: 0-14; acidic if pH < 7, basic if pH > 7
Human extracellular pH: 7.35-7.45, intracellular pH: 7.0
Acid-base balance affects electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-) and hormonal activity

Sources of Acids and Bases

Acids come from food, metabolic processes, and cellular metabolism (CO2 production)
Bases are secreted in the stomach and duodenum, and produced in the kidneys

Control of Acid and Base

Buffer systems: take up or release H+ as conditions change
Buffer pairs: weak acid and base, exchange strong acid or base for a weak one
Body buffering systems: bicarbonate, phosphate, protein, and chemical buffers

Bicarbonate Buffer

Maintains 20:1 ratio: HCO3:H2CO3
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and H2CO3

Phosphate Buffer

Major intracellular buffer
H+ + HPO42- → H2PO4 + OH-

Protein Buffer

Works in blood and interstitial fluid (including hemoglobin)
Carboxyl group gives up H+, amino group accepts H+
27 amino acids have side chains that can buffer H+

Respiratory System

Exhales CO2, regulates pH by changing rate and depth of breathing
Can eliminate large amounts of acid, converse and produce bicarbonate ions
Most effective regulator of pH

Renal Acid Secretion

H+ secretion occurs at the proximal tubule, distal tubule, and collecting duct
Increase H+ reabsorbs 1 HCO3- back to the blood

Acid-Base Disorders

pH < 7.35 is acidosis, pH > 7.45 is alkalosis
Body response to acid-base imbalance is called compensation

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Description

This quiz covers the concepts of acid-base balance, respiratory and metabolic compensation mechanisms, and the effects of acidosis on the central nervous system. It's essential for understanding the diagnosis and treatment of acid-base disorders.