30 Questions
What is the primary reason for the regulation of acid-base balance in the body?
To maintain optimal enzyme function
What is the term used to express the concentration of hydrogen ions in the body fluid?
pH
What is the result of a high pH in the body fluid?
Alkalosis
How many primary systems regulate the H+ concentration in the body fluids?
Three
What is the consequence of slight deviations from normal pH in the body fluid?
Shut down of metabolic pathways
What is the term used to describe a low pH corresponding to a high [H+] in the body fluid?
Acidosis
Which system can act within a fraction of a second to prevent excessive changes in [H+]?
Acid-base buffer system
What is the role of the respiratory center in acid-base balance?
To alter the rate of breathing
How long does it take for the kidneys to readjust the [H+] after sudden changes have occurred?
Many minutes to several days
What is the function of the bicarbonate buffer system?
To maintain blood plasma pH within a normal range
What is the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
To act as a protein buffer
What is the most powerful acid-base regulatory system in the body?
The kidneys
What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system in the body?
To maintain the body's acid-base homeostasis
What is the ratio of bicarbonate ions to carbonic acid in the blood when the pH is within the normal range?
20:1
What happens when sodium bicarbonate comes into contact with a strong acid, such as HCl?
Carbonic acid and sodium chloride are formed
What is the function of sodium in the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system?
To regulate the concentration of bicarbonate ions
What happens when carbonic acid comes into contact with a strong base, such as NaOH?
Bicarbonate and water are formed
What is the primary source of acids in the body that the bicarbonate buffer system helps to neutralize?
Metabolic wastes, such as lactic acid and ketone bodies
What is the primary way the respiratory system contributes to acid-base balance in the body?
By regulating the blood levels of carbonic acid
What happens to blood pH when the CO2 level in the blood rises?
It decreases
How does increasing the rate and/or depth of respiration affect the blood pH?
It raises the blood pH
What is the outcome of excessive deep and rapid breathing (hyperventilation)?
It decreases blood CO2 levels and increases pH
How can brief alkalosis caused by hyperventilation be remedied?
By rebreathing exhaled air
What is the equilibrium reaction that occurs in the blood?
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 + H+ + HCO3–
What is the primary signal used by chemoreceptors to regulate respiratory rate?
Carbon dioxide levels
Where are peripheral blood sensors located that help regulate respiratory rate?
In the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries
How do changes in pH of CSF affect the respiratory center?
By directly modulating breathing rate to bring pH back to normal
What is the normal pH range of urine?
4.5 to 8.0
What happens to bicarbonate excretion in alkalosis?
It increases
What is the effect of increased bicarbonate excretion in alkalosis?
It increases H+ concentration
This quiz covers the regulation of acid-base balance, buffer systems, and the roles of the respiratory center and kidneys in maintaining homeostasis. Topics include protein, phosphate, and bicarbonate buffer systems, as well as renal and respiratory regulation of acid-base balance.
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