Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
What is normal pH?
7.35-7.45
What defines acidosis?
pH
What defines alkalosis?
pH> 7.45
What occurs when [H+] is too high?
H+ diffuses into cells and K+ moves out resulting in hyperkalemia which can depress excitability
What happens when [H+] is too low?
H+ will diffuse out of the cell and K+ will move into the cell causing hypokalemia making the cells hyper excitable
What is an acid?
a hydrogen ion donor
example of a strong acid
HCl
example of a weak acid
HAc
What is a base?
hydrogen ion accepter; it takes hydrogen ions out of solution
What are the 3 systems that defend pH homeostasis?
chemical buffers
the lungs
the kidneys
How does a buffer work?
minimizes pH changes in the presence of an acid or alkaline load; it does this very rapidly and is effective only when there is a disturbance
How do the lungs help with regulating plasma pH?
they have the ability to control CO2 very rapidly
How do the kidneys help with regulating plasma pH?
due to their ability to variably reabsorb HCO3– and secrete H+
Where does most of bicarbonate reabsorption occur?
in the proximal nephron segments
What do we depend on to reabsorb bicarbonate?
carbonic anhydrase
if this is inhibited in renal cells, then HCO3- reabsorption stops and we become acidotic
What happens if a large quantity of H+ is added to the blood?
insufficient HCO3- absorption
excess H+ ions would need to be removed to be excreted in the urine