acid-base balance Flashcards
normal ph of the body
7.35-7.45
acid base equilibrium
1.) normal metabolism excretes carbon dioxide into the blood
2.) carbon dioxide combines with water to make carbonic acid which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate
3.) c02+h20=h2co3
More hydrogen in the body
higher acidity
normal metabolism constanty makes the blood what
more acidic
the body becomes more basic by what
elimination of carbon dioxide through breathing
the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled through the lungs depends on what
the level of acidity in the body.
a decrease in pH is sensed by what
central or arterial chemoreceptors and leads to deeper, faster breathing.
renal regulation
excretion of hydrogen ions and reabsorption of bicarbonate in the kidneys
the kidneys regulate pH by doing what?
adjusting the amount of excreted acids and reabsorbed bicarbonate
the amount of reabsorbed bicarbonate is regulated by what
blood pH. It increases during acid loads and decreases during alkali loads. most bicarbonate while filtered in the kidneys, is reabsorbed in the blood
respiratory acidosis
inadequate function of the lungs which causes arterial carbon dioxide to accumulate
metabolic acidosis
may result from excessive production of metabolic acids, decreased ability of the kidneys to excrete acid, ingestion of acids, or loss of alkali
characterized by primary decrease in plasma bicarbonate
respiratory alkalosis
increased ventilation, resulting in excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide
metabolic alkalosis
can result from excess loss of acids through the kidneys or gi tract, bicarbonate retention, or ingestion of alkali
characterized by primary increase in plasma bicarbonate
electrolyte balance and pH regulation
Sodium and potassium are major extracellular and intracellular cations, respectively.
The Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump helps maintain the proper distribution of these ions, which indirectly affects acid-base homeostasis.
bicarbonate buffer system
Sodium is closely linked to bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), a key component of the body’s primary buffering system.
When the body is too acidic (acidosis), the kidneys reabsorb more bicarbonate (often paired with sodium) to neutralize excess hydrogen ions (H⁺).
In alkalosis, the kidneys excrete more bicarbonate along with sodium to restore pH balance.
Potassium Shift in Acidosis & Alkalosis
In acidosis, excess H⁺ ions enter cells, and K⁺ exits to maintain electrical neutrality, leading to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in blood).
In alkalosis, H⁺ exits cells, and K⁺ moves in, causing hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels).
This movement of potassium affects nerve and muscle function, especially in the heart.
an increase in pCO2…
results in a decrease in pH
