Acid-Base Regulation Flashcards
Define acid
A substance that can release a hydrogen ion when dissolved in water
Define base
A substance that can accept a hydrogen ion
Define buffer and give an example of one in the human body
A chemical that minimises the change in pH when an acid or base is added to a solution. Carbonic acid
Define anion
Atoms or groups of atoms that carry a negative charge
Define cation
Atoms or groups of atoms that carry a positive charge.
Features of PaCO2
Partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood
Normal 38-42 mmHg
PaCO2 arterial blood = PaCO2 in alveolar air
Features of PaO2
Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood
Normal is 75-100mmHg
Features of bicarbonate and how its measured
Anion
Measured indirectly on an arterial blood gas
22-26mEq/L(mmol/L)
Role of lungs in Acid-base homeostasis
Regulate arterial PCo2 and thus the conc. of dissolved CO2 in blood via changes in alveolar ventilation
Role of kidneys Acid-Base homeostasis
Regulate HCO3- via changes in renal H+ excretion
What are the three components in response to Acid-Base perturbation?
1st defence: buffering
2nd defence: respiratory - alteration in arterial pCO2
3rd defence: renal - alteration in HCO3
Features of the immediate response: buffering
Rapid physico-chemical phenomenon
Buffering of fixed acids by bicarbonate
Features of the respiratory response: alteration in ventilation
Adjustment of the denominator pCO2 by alterations in ventilation is relatively rapid
Increased CO2 excretion due to hyperventilation
Useful physiologically because of its effect on intracellular pH as well as extracellular pH
CO2 crosses cell membrane easily so changes in pCO2 affect pH rapidly
Respond quickly because of the huge amounts of respiratory coif to be excreted
Three outcomes of increased CO2 excretion due to hyperventilation
1️⃣ Correction of respiratory acidosis
2️⃣ Production of a respiratory alkalosis
3️⃣ Compensation for a metabolic acidosis
Features of the renal response: alteration in bicarbonate excretion
Much slower process (several days) involves adjustment of bicarbonate excretion by the kidney
Responsible for the excretion of the fixed acids and for compensator changes in plasma [HCO3-] in the presence of respiratory acid-base disorders
__________ acid-base disorders change in bicarbonate concentration.
Metabolic
Explain the association metabolic acid-base disorders and diabetes mellitus
Altered intermediary metabolism in the absence of insulin causes a build-up of H+
____________ acid-base disorders change in pCO2
Respiratory
If the primary acid-base disorder is from a _____________ cause, then the kidneys will
compensate (renal compensation), renal mechanisms can bring about metabolic compensation.
Respiratory
If the primary disorder is from a ________ cause, then the lungs will compensate (respiratory
compensation), hyperventilation or hypoventilation can help: respiratory compensation.
Metabolic
How long does does respiratory compensation take?
12-24 hours
How long does renal compensation take?
2-5 days
Kidneys compensate for respiratory acid-base disturbances by _____________________
Adjusting bicarbonate
Lungs compensate for metabolic acid-base disturbances by ________________.
Adjusting carbonic acid
Compensatory response to respiratory disorders is two fold:
A fast response due to cell buffering
And a significantly slower response due to renal adaptation
Compensatory response to metabolic disorders involves only:
An alteration in alveolar ventilation