Physiology 6 - Acid Base Balance Flashcards
What is the normal pH range of blood?
7.35 - 7.45
Why is venous blood more acidic than arterial blood?
It contains more CO2
What effect does acidosis have on the nervous system?
CNS depression
What effect does alkalosis have on the nervous system?
Hyperactivity of the PNS, and eventually CNS
What effect does acidosis have on potassium concentrations?
Hyperkalaemia
What is formed in the middle step of the buffer system for acid base balance in the body?
Carbonic acid
The formation of carbonic acid from carbon dioxide and water is catalysed by what enzyme?
Carbonic anhydrase
The concentration of plasma bicarbonate is controlled by what body system?
Renal
The partial pressure of carbon dioxide is controlled by what body system?
Respiratory
Reabsorption of bicarbonate in the tubules of the nephron is driven by what?
Secretion of hydrogen ions
When bicarbonate concentrations in tubular fluid are low due to reabsorption, what do secreted hydrogen ions combine with instead?
Phosphate
In individuals with severe acidosis, excess hydrogen ions can combine with what to be excreted in the urine?
Ammonia
Death occurs if the pH of blood drops below what value?
6.8
Death occurs if the pH of blood rises above what value?
8
What is the average plasma HCO3- concentration?
25mmol/l
What is the average partial pressure of arterial CO2?
40mmHg
What is meant by compensation of an acid base balance?
Restoration of the pH, irrespective of what happens to bicarbonate and carbon dioxide
What is meant by correction of an acid base balance?
Restoration of the pH, bicarbonate and carbon dioxide
What acid base balance disruption occurs when carbon is retained by the body?
Respiratory acidosis
Clinically, what is the cause of respiratory acidosis?
Type 2 respiratory failure
What happens to pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in uncompensated respiratory acidosis?
pH is low, partial pressure of carbon dioxide is high