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Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of acid production during metabolism?
What is the primary source of acid production during metabolism?
How much CO2 does an adult produce from a typical western diet each day?
How much CO2 does an adult produce from a typical western diet each day?
What role do the kidneys play in acid-base balance?
What role do the kidneys play in acid-base balance?
What is the effect of metabolically generated bases on H+ production?
What is the effect of metabolically generated bases on H+ production?
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What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system?
What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system?
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What does pH measure in blood plasma?
What does pH measure in blood plasma?
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How does a weak acid function as a buffer?
How does a weak acid function as a buffer?
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What is the primary buffer system in extracellular fluid?
What is the primary buffer system in extracellular fluid?
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What is the normal blood pH range?
What is the normal blood pH range?
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Which of the following processes has the fastest response to changes in hydrogen ion concentration?
Which of the following processes has the fastest response to changes in hydrogen ion concentration?
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Which component is not essential in the phosphate buffer system?
Which component is not essential in the phosphate buffer system?
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How long does it typically take for renal control of acid-base balance to become effective?
How long does it typically take for renal control of acid-base balance to become effective?
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Study Notes
Acid-Base Balance
- Maintaining acid-base balance is crucial for proper bodily function
- Buffers play a vital role in acid-base balance
- Respiratory system controls acid-base balance rapidly
- Renal system controls acid-base balance over a longer period
Importance of pH
- pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in blood plasma
- Lower pH indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (more acidic)
- Blood pH is maintained between 7.35-7.45
Sources of Hydrogen Ions (H+)
- Acids donate H+ ions, increasing acidity
- Nonvolatile acids (e.g., sulfuric, phosphoric)
- Organic acids (e.g., lactic, ketones, fatty acids)
- Volatile acids (e.g., carbonic acid) can leave the body via the lungs.
Buffer Systems
- Buffers resist changes in pH
- Weak acids effectively buffer pH changes
- Bicarbonate buffer system is the primary buffer for extracellular fluid
- Phosphate buffer system is important in intracellular fluid and urine
Protein Buffers
- Proteins are abundant buffers in both intracellular and extracellular fluids
- Diversity of amino acid side chains allows proteins to effectively buffer a wide range of pH values
- They are important in maintaining pH balance.
Respiratory Control
- Lungs control CO2 levels, which influences blood pH
- Increased ventilation (hyperventilation) expels CO2, decreasing acidity
- Decreased ventilation (hypoventilation) retains CO2, increasing acidity
Renal Control
- Kidneys regulate pH by excreting or reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3-)
- Reabsorption of filtered HCO3- and generation of new bicarbonate are important mechanisms
- Excretion of metabolic acids, like phosphoric acid, uric acid, lactic acid, and ketones by kidneys
Determining Acid-Base Imbalances
- pH values are used to determine acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45)
- pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) helps distinguish respiratory causes
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels help distinguish metabolic causes
- Compensation mechanisms can lead to normal pH despite an underlying imbalance
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Description
Test your knowledge on the crucial concepts of acid-base balance, including the role of buffers and the importance of pH levels in the body. Understand how both the respiratory and renal systems work to maintain this balance. Dive into sources of hydrogen ions and the various buffer systems involved.
