Regulatory Systems for Hydrogen Ion Concentration in the Blood Flashcards
What are buffers? What is their function?
Buffers are the fastest acting regulatory system.
They provide immediate protection against changes in hydrogen ion concentration in the extracellular fluid.
How do buffers affect pH?
They are reactors that function only to keep pH within the narrow limits of stability when too much acid or base is released into the system, and buffers absorb or release hydrogen ions as needed. They also transport excess hydrogen to the lungs.
What are the primary buffer systems in extracellular fluid? (4)
Hemoglobin system
Plasma protein system
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate system
Phosphate buffer system
What is the process by which the hemoglobin system maintains acid-base balance?
Chloride shift
What is chloride shift? (Part of the hemoglobin system)
Chloride shifts in and out of the cells in response to the level of oxygen in the blood. For each chloride ion that leaves a red blood cell, a bicarbonate ion enters. For each chloride ion that enters a red blood cell, a bicarbonate ion leaves.
How does the plasma protein system act as a buffer?
The system functions along with the liver to vary the amount of hydrogen ions in the chemical structure of plasma proteins. Plasma proteins have the ability to attract or release hydrogen ions.
What is the primary buffer system in the body?
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate system.
