Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of acid-base balance in the human body?
What is the primary role of acid-base balance in the human body?
To regulate the concentration of free hydrogen ions (H+) in body fluids.
Explain how acidosis affects potassium levels in the body.
Explain how acidosis affects potassium levels in the body.
Acidosis causes decreased secretion of potassium (K+) from the body.
What are the two primary types of acid-base disorders?
What are the two primary types of acid-base disorders?
Acidosis and alkalosis.
How does the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relate to acid-base balance?
How does the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relate to acid-base balance?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify one source of hydrogen ions (H+) in the body and explain its significance.
Identify one source of hydrogen ions (H+) in the body and explain its significance.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mechanism by which the bicarbonate buffer system maintains pH in the extracellular fluid?
What is the primary mechanism by which the bicarbonate buffer system maintains pH in the extracellular fluid?
Signup and view all the answers
Explain the role of organic acids in cellular metabolism and their significance in regulation of pH.
Explain the role of organic acids in cellular metabolism and their significance in regulation of pH.
Signup and view all the answers
Differentiate between fixed acids and volatile acids, providing examples of each.
Differentiate between fixed acids and volatile acids, providing examples of each.
Signup and view all the answers
How do protein buffer systems contribute to pH regulation in the body?
How do protein buffer systems contribute to pH regulation in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the bicarbonate buffer system in detail, including its components and their roles.
Describe the bicarbonate buffer system in detail, including its components and their roles.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Acid-Base Balance
- Acid-base balance refers to the precise regulation of free hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in body fluids.
- Maintaining acid-base balance is crucial for nerve and muscle cell excitability, enzyme activity, and proper K+ levels.
- Sources of H+ in the body include carbonic acid formation, organic acids from intermediary metabolism, and incomplete metabolism of glucose and fatty acids (lactic acid and ketoacids).
- Hydrolysis of dietary phosphate produces fixed or metabolic acid load that cannot be exhaled, requiring neutralization or excretion by the kidneys.
- Normal blood pH is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45.
- Disturbances in acid-base balance can lead to serious clinical consequences.
Types of Acid-Base Disorders
- Acidosis: A condition where the blood has too much acid (or too little base), resulting in a decrease in blood pH.
- Alkalosis: A condition where the blood has too much base (or too little acid), resulting in an increase in blood pH.
- These disorders are not diseases on their own, but rather result from various underlying conditions.
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
- pH = pK + log ([A-]/[HA])
- pH = -log₁₀[H⁺] (pH units)
- pK = -log₁₀K (pH units)
- [A⁻] = Concentration of base form of buffer (mEq/L)
- [HA] = Concentration of acid form of buffer (mEq/L)
Buffers
- Buffers are mixtures of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid.
- They immediately combine with any acid or alkali to prevent excessive changes in [H+].
Classes of Acids
- Fixed acids: Do not leave the body in solution; remain in body fluids until eliminated by the kidneys (e.g., sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid).
- Volatile acids: Can leave the body via the lungs, e.g., carbonic acid.
Acid-Base Buffer Systems
- Chemical buffer systems (immediate): Bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system, protein buffer system.
- Physiological buffer systems (minutes-hours): Respiratory response system, renal response system.
Role of the Lungs in Acid-Base Balance
- The lungs regulate pH by excreting CO2, which affects the amount of carbonic acid in the blood.
- Changes in respiratory rate directly affect CO2 levels and thus, blood pH.
- During acidosis, the respiratory rate increases to eliminate excess CO2.
- During alkalosis, the respiratory rate decreases to retain CO2.
Role of the Kidneys in Acid-Base Balance
- The kidneys slowly adjust blood pH by excreting excess acids or bases.
- Conservation/reabsorption of HCO3⁻, generation of new HCO3⁻, and excretion of H+ as titratable acid or NH4+ are kidney functions involved in pH regulation.
Summary of Acid-Base Disorders
- Disorders are categorized as either respiratory or metabolic, and either acidosis or alkalosis.
- Compensation mechanisms involving the lungs and kidneys are indicated by arrows and descriptions of direction of change in pH.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the critical concepts of acid-base balance in the human body, focusing on the regulation of hydrogen ions and their impact on physiological functions. It also discusses various acid-base disorders such as acidosis and alkalosis, their causes, and effects. Test your understanding of this essential physiological concept.
