Lecture 21 - acid base physiology Flashcards
How does a high acid level affect the body?
- high acid levels can alter shapes of proteins
- can cause hyperkalemia in ECF
- can cause hypercalemia in ECF
How do high acid levels in the body alter shapes of proteins?
- the free h+ ions disturb existing hydrogen bonds
How does high acid levels cause hyperkalemia?
- high acid levels cause acid to enter into cell and K+ to leave into the ECF
How does high acid levels cause hypercalcemia in the ECF?
- high H+ reduce the amount of Ca2+ bound to albumin causing increased Ca2+ levels in the ECF
How do high base levels affect the body?
- hypocalemia in ECF - low levels of K+
- can alter the shape of proteins
- can cayse hypocalcemia in the ECF
How are strong acids and strong bases dissociated?
they are completely dissociated in aqueous solution
How are weak acids and bases classified in terms of dissociation?
they are partially dissociated in aqeuous solution
What is a buffer solution?
a solution in which when an acid or base is added to it - the buffer solution minimises the change in PH
What acids contribute to our daily acid load?
- carbonic acid - acid produced by the hydrolysis of CO2 (ie CO2 binding to water)
- non carbonic acid
What is an acid-base disorder?
change of normal value of the extracellular PH that may result when renal or respiratory function is abnormal
What is acidemia?
a lower than normal arterial PH
What is a alkalemia?
- a higher than normal arterial PH
What is acidosis?
a process leading to acidemia (lower PH) - can be of respiratory or metabolic origin
What is alkalosis?
a process leading to alkalemia- again can be of metabolic or respiratory origin
What are the different chemical buffers in the body?
bicarbonate system
haemoglobin system
protein system
phosphate system
they can bind to acids if the PH is decreased