PHYS Acid-Base Balance of Biological Fluids - Week 11

Question 1

Define volatile acid. Non-volatile acid.

Answer 1

Volatile acid – one that can vaporise/become gaseous (e.g., H2CO3 carbonic acid). Non-volatile acid – all those that cannot be handled by the lungs (e.g., lactic acid).

Question 2

Location of peripheral chemoreceptors. What are they sensitive to?

Answer 2

Aortic arch & carotid sinus. Sensitive to changes in H+.