Normal Plasma pH (Wed 08/11/17)

Question 1

LO: Describe the normal control of plasma volume by the kidney

Answer 1

• Acidosis: pH drops from normal 7.4. By 7.1 extremely ill. By 6.8 are dead.
• Alkidosis: Above 7.4. By 7.8 dead.
• Buffer can be a weak acid or weak base.
• Addition of H+ shifts equilibrium to right.
• Protons are effectively ‘neutralised’ and fall in pH is far less than if no buffer present
• The body has multiple interlinked buffer systems present: see slide 4
• Volatile acid production: the generation carbon dioxide by cells. Carbon dioxide and water react to form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid breaks down to a proton and bicarbonate. This is controlled by buffers and increase in respiration rate, so more ventilation. Match production and loss of carbon dioxide.
• Endogenous Acid Production: acids that can’t be lost by ventilation. Made by metabolising food, intermediate metabolism and loss of bicarbonate in stools.

Question 2

LO: Describe the maintenance of plasma pH by extracellular and intracellular buffers

Answer 2

LO:

Question 3

LO: Describe the role of the kidneys in pH homeostasis

Answer 3

LO:

Question 4

LO: Describe the tubular transport mechanisms involved in renal pH homeostasis, including the role of ammonium

Answer 4

LO: