Acid-Base Physiology Regulation Quiz

The negative log of hydrogen ion concentration. A lower pH indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions, resulting in acidity.

A substance that can donate hydrogen ions.

A substance that can accept hydrogen ions.

The main buffer system in the body, comprised of carbon dioxide, water, carbonic acid, and bicarbonate.

Process of eliminating excess hydrogen ions in the body. This primarily occurs in the kidneys.

A condition where the body's pH is lower than 7.35, indicating an increase in hydrogen ion concentration.

A condition where the body's pH is higher than 7.45, indicating a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration.

A condition where the blood pH is below 7.4, indicating an excess of acid in the body.

A condition where the blood pH is above 7.4, indicating an excess of base in the body.

The process by which the kidneys eliminate excess hydrogen ions from the body.

The process by which the kidneys reabsorb bicarbonate ions from the filtered blood, preventing its loss in the urine.

A type of buffer in the tubular fluid that effectively removes excess hydrogen ions by converting them into dihydrogen phosphate.

The process by which the kidneys produce and excrete ammonia to neutralize excess acid in the body.

A type of metabolic alkalosis caused by excessive loss of hydrogen ions from the gastrointestinal tract or the kidneys.

A type of metabolic alkalosis caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion.

A type of metabolic alkalosis caused by the use of diuretics, which increase urine flow and carry away hydrogen ions before they can be reabsorbed.

A type of metabolic alkalosis caused by depletion of body fluids, which can lead to hyperaldosteronism and further loss of hydrogen ions.

A type of metabolic acidosis caused by increased production of acid in the body, such as in lactic acidosis or ketoacidosis.

A type of metabolic acidosis caused by loss of bicarbonate, such as in diarrhea or renal tubular failure.

A condition characterized by a reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete acid, leading to accumulation of acid in the blood.

A type of metabolic acidosis characterized by a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.

A type of metabolic acidosis characterized by a buildup of ketone bodies in the blood, often seen in uncontrolled diabetes.

Failure of the kidneys to properly excrete acid, leading to a buildup of acid in the blood. This is a common complication of kidney disease.

Reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete acid in renal failure. This leads to metabolic acidosis.

Hypokalemia (low potassium) can lead to a shift of hydrogen ions into cells, causing intracellular acidosis. This prompts the kidneys to reabsorb bicarbonate from the urine, further contributing to metabolic alkalosis.

The buffering of excess acid in the body, primarily by the bones. However, prolonged acid buffering can lead to bone loss.

While ammonia excretion initially increases to compensate for reduced renal function, it cannot fully compensate for the impaired acid excretion. This leads to metabolic acidosis.

The retention of bicarbonate and excretion of hydrogen ions are primarily accomplished by the kidneys. Bicarbonate is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, while hydrogen ions are secreted in various nephron segments, including the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and collecting ducts.

The sodium-potassium pump, while critical for maintaining membrane potential, does not directly participate in the acid-base balance in the nephron segments. The other options, sodium-hydrogen exchanger, hydrogen ATPase, and sodium-bicarbonate co-transporter, directly contribute to acid-base transport in the nephron.

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and a higher than normal plasma bicarbonate concentration. Loss of hydrogen ions due to factors like vomiting or diuretic use can lead to this condition.

Metabolic acidosis results from a decrease in plasma bicarbonate concentration. Increased production of acid, such as in lactic acidosis or ketoacidosis, can cause this acid-base imbalance.

The kidneys regulate acid-base balance by reabsorbing bicarbonate and secreting hydrogen ions. This process involves various transporters and pumps within the nephron, particularly in the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and collecting ducts.

The sodium-hydrogen exchanger (NHE) is a protein embedded in the membrane of cells lining the nephron. It exchanges sodium ions for hydrogen ions, effectively secreting hydrogen into the urine and reabsorbing sodium.

The hydrogen ATPase (H+-ATPase) is a protein that pumps hydrogen ions across the cell membrane using ATP. This active transport mechanism is essential for maintaining acid-base balance.

The sodium-bicarbonate co-transporter is a protein that simultaneously transports sodium and bicarbonate ions across the cell membrane. This process allows the kidneys to reabsorb bicarbonate, a crucial step in maintaining acid-base balance.