Acid-Base Balance in Blood and Buffers

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Questions and Answers

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between pCO2 and pH in the context of acid-base regulation?

  • A decrease in pCO2 correlates with a decrease in pH.
  • An increase in pCO2 leads to an increase in pH.
  • A rise in pH results from decreased carbonic acid levels only.
  • Increased pCO2 and decreased pH stimulate increased respiration. (correct)

Which of the following acids is classified as a nonvolatile acid?

  • Acetic acid
  • H2SO4 (correct)
  • B-hydroxybutyrate
  • Carbonic acid

In the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for CO2, what does the term '0.03 * pCO2' represent?

  • The equilibrium constant for the carbonic acid dissociation.
  • The concentration of dissolved CO2 in the plasma. (correct)
  • The ratio of bicarbonate to dissolved CO2.
  • A correction factor for body temperature.

What is the primary function of imidazole in buffering, particularly in the context of physiological pH?

<p>It helps maintain buffering capacity near physiological pH due to its pKa being close to 7. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does hemoglobin play in acid-base buffering within red blood cells?

<p>It acts as a buffer due to its high histidine content. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a titration curve, what does the buffer value represent?

<p>The slope of the curve at a given pH, indicating buffering capacity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological condition leads to an accumulation of carbonic acid due to impaired gas exchange?

<p>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms is responsible for the regulation of bicarbonate levels in the body?

<p>Regulation by the kidneys and lungs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is incorrectly paired with its function in acid-base homeostasis?

<p>H3PO4 - primarily removed by respiration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the acidity of blood when there is an increase in pCO2 levels?

<p>Blood becomes more acidic as pH drops. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of elevated pCO2 levels in the body?

<p>Respiratory acidosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily influences the buffering capacity of a solution?

<p>Concentration of the weak acid and its conjugate base (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological mechanism does NOT directly affect bicarbonate levels in the blood?

<p>Transport of oxygen in hemoglobin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relate to acid-base balance?

<p>It predicts changes in pH based on buffer concentrations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does hemoglobin affect blood pH during carbon dioxide transport?

<p>By binding to carbon dioxide and thus reducing acidity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Body Acid-Base State

The acid-base balance in the arterial blood or extracellular fluid (ECF).

Class 1 Acids

Volatile acids, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), produced metabolically and removed by exhalation.

Class 2 Acids

Nonvolatile acids like H3PO4 and H2SO4, produced metabolically and removed by the kidneys.

Buffering

A system that resists changes in pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions (H+).

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Titration Curve

A graph showing the relationship between pH and added acid (or base).

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Buffer Value

Slope of the titration curve at a particular pH, indicating the buffering capacity.

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Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation (CO2)

Equation relating pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and dissolved CO2 (pCO2) in blood.

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COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, causing impaired gas exchange and CO2 accumulation.

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Metabolic acidosis due to increased ketone bodies (like B-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate).

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HCO3-/CO2 buffer system

Body's primary buffer system regulated by lungs and kidneys.

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Blood pH

The measure of acidity or alkalinity in blood, typically between 7.35 and 7.45.

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Acid-Base Balance

The delicate equilibrium between acids and bases in the body, critical for maintaining normal cell function.

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Buffering System

A mechanism that resists changes in pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions (H+).

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Respiratory Acidosis

A condition where the lungs cannot effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to increased acidity in the blood.

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Metabolic Acidosis

A condition where the kidneys cannot effectively remove acid from the blood, leading to increased acidity.

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Study Notes

Acid-Base Balance in Blood

  • Body's pH is highly regulated for optimal enzyme and transporter function.
  • Volatile acids (primarily CO2) are eliminated through exhalation.
  • Non-volatile acids (H3PO4, H2SO4) are eliminated through kidney excretion.
  • Increased CO2 leads to decreased pH and increased respiration (ventilation to decrease CO2).

Buffering System

  • Buffering helps maintain pH homeostasis.
  • Acetic acid dissociates into H+ and acetate (its conjugate base).
  • Imidazole in hemoglobin (36 histidine) is crucial because its pKa is close to body pH (7.4).
  • Hemoglobin carries most CO2 as HCO3- and H+.
  • Bone also acts as a reservoir for acids and bases.

Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

  • CO2 dissolves in water, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3).
  • The reaction is dynamically balanced.
  • The bicarbonate-carbon dioxide buffer system plays a crucial role in maintaining pH.
  • This system is under dual control by lungs (managing CO2) and kidneys (controlling HCO3-).

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

  • pH = pKa + log ([HCO3-] / (0.03 * pCO2))
  • This equation allows calculating pH based on bicarbonate and carbon dioxide concentrations and describes the relationship between pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate concentration.

Titration Curves

  • Plots the effect of added acid or base on pH.
  • The slope of the curve represents the buffer value.
  • Strong buffering occurs near the pKa.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

  • Excess B-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate contribute to acid accumulation.

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