17 Questions
What is the principal effect of acidosis on the body?
Depression of the CNS through a decrease in synaptic transmission
What is the primary way that the kidneys compensate for acidosis?
Eliminating hydrogen ions and retaining bicarbonate ions
What is the term for a high level of CO2 in the blood?
Hypercapnia
What is the term for the excess of carbonic acid in the blood?
Carbonic acid excess
What is the normal range of bicarbonate ion concentration in the blood?
Above 22 mEq/L
What is a possible cause of chronic respiratory acidosis?
Emphysema
What is the normal pH range of human extracellular fluids?
7.35 - 7.45
What is the primary source of acid in the body?
Metabolic byproducts of lipids and proteins
What is the role of buffer systems in acid-base regulation?
To exchange strong acids for weak acids
What is the effect of acid-base imbalance on hormonal activity?
It can affect hormonal activity
What is the primary mechanism of respiratory regulation of acid-base balance?
Increased ventilation to remove excess CO2
What is the term for the process by which the kidneys reabsorb or secrete acids to maintain acid-base balance?
Renal acid secretion
What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system in the body?
To maintain a 20:1 ratio of HCO3:H2CO3
Which of the following is a characteristic of the phosphate buffer system?
It is the major intracellular buffer
What is the result of increased H+ secretion in the proximal tubule?
Increased reabsorption of HCO3- ions
What is the term for the body's response to acid-base imbalance?
Compensation
What is the role of the respiratory system in regulating pH?
It regulates pH by changing the rate and depth of breathing
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
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.
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