Physiology 8 Flashcards
what does the body do the maintain pH levels?
We need to maintain the ratio between HCO3 (bicarbonate) and carbon dioxide
How does the body control levels of carbon dioxide?
by using the respiratory system
how does the body control levels of bicarbonate?
by using the kidneys
What is respiratory acidosis?
A decrease in pH caused by the respiratory system
What is the cause of respiratory acidosis?
An increase in CO2
what are the acute causes of CO2 retention?
hypoventilation, barbiturates, opioids, obstruction.
What are the chronic causes of CO2 retention?
COPD, asthma, bronchitis
what is the response to respiratory acidosis?
An increase in PCO2 should be compensated by an increase in HCO3 by the kidneys.
In respiratory acidosis how do we get an increase in HCO3?
the increase in CO2 causes an increase in H+ ions that can be used to reabsorb and create new bicarbonate.
What is respiratory alkalosis?
this is an increase in pH caused by the respiratory system.
What causes respiratory alkalosis?
a decrease in PCO2
what causes an acute decrease in PCO2?
hyperventilation, aspirin, going to high altitudes
what causes a chronic decrease in PCO2?
living at high altitudes
How does the kidneys compensate to respiratory alkalosis?
The reduction in PCO2 is compensated. by the kidneys reducing HCO3 (this is easy because theres less H+ to create bicarbonate anyway)
What is metabolic acidosis?
This is a decrease in pH caused by the kidneys.