Acid base balance

Acid-base balance

Acid-base balance is the part of human homeostasis concerning the proper acids and bases, also called body pH. The body is very sensitive mechanisms exist to maintain it. Outside the acceptable range of pH. proteins are denatures and digested, enzymes lose their ability to function, and death may occur anespite variation in metabolism, diet and environmeated with the body acid - bene blanc nuid volume and electrolyte concentration are maintained within a narrow range Many naturally occurring acids are necessary for life. For example, hydrochloric ad is secret We the stomach to assist with digestion. The chemical composition of food in the det ca an effect on the body's acid - base production. Components that affect andid - base balance Include protein, chloride, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the rate at which nutrients are absorbed in the intestine will alter acid - base balance balance between to its pH level, so strong.

Cells and body fluids contain acid-base buffers, which help prevent rapid changes in body Aud pH over short period of time, until the kidneys and pulmonary systems can make apriorate adjustments. Changes in respiration occur primarily in moules to hours, while renal function works to alter blood pH within several days.

The body's acid-base balance is tightly regulated by buffering system of our body. Ateral blood must be kept at a pH of 7.35 to 7.45. When the pH rises above 7.45 or falls below 73. The quickest way (less than 1sec) that blood pH is adjusted by buffering system of our body There are three important buffer systems in our bodies.

1. Bicarbonate Buffer System

2. Phosphate Buffer System

3. Protein Buffer System

BICARBONATE BUFFER SYSTEM 

An essential buffer mechanism for maintaining the acid-base balance of all living organisms, including humans, is the bicarbonate buffering system. It functions as a buffer, keeping the plasma H mostly constant and opposing any forces that might change. The body reacts chemically with strong acids using bicarbonate. When the H ion attaches to the bicarbonate, the reaction is reduced to water and CO2, which are readily expelled through breathing and urination. If additional H+ ions are required to be released into the blood and increase its acidity, this reaction can also be reversed. H2O + CO2 = HCO3 + H

PHOSPHATE BUFFER SYSTEM

The phosphate buffer system operates in the internal fluid of all cells. This buffer system Ponsists of Dihydrogen phosphate ions (H₃PO₄) as Hydrogen-ion donor (acid) and Hydrogen Phosphate ions (HPO,²) as Hydrogen (H.PO) as Hydrogen-ion dayadeen ens entere belular fluid, they are consumed in one on acceptor (base), additional hydroxide inserte the cellular fluid, they react with H₂PO₄ and maintain the pH.

PROTEIN BUFFER SYSTEM

The protein buffer system is the most important and widely operating buffer in the body fluid. An example of a protein buffer is hemoglobin, Protein molecules possess basic and acidic groups which act as H' acceptors or donors respectively if H¹ is added or removed.

PLASMA PROTEINS AND RBCS

Plasma proteins and RBCs also serve as buffer. Proteins are composed of amino acids which have the ability to combine with both acids and bases and therefore neutralize them.

RESPIRATION

Another vital component to acid base balance is respiration. Our lungs regulate how much CO, is in our blood. This is important because CO, can reverse the reaction HCOH H2O + CO2

And CO2 can combine with water to form bicarbonate. If a person were to breathe in and out at a rapid rate or hyperventilate, this would decrease the amount of CO₂ in the blood, thus reducing the amount of bicarbonate. With less bicarbonate, there will be less H ions in the blood and pH will rise. However, this is a short fix for pH balance.

KIDNEY/URINE

The kidneys are the final component to acid base balance in the body. They can absorb more acids or bases are needed to keep the body at homeostasis or normal. Since our bodies tend to produce more acids, and we tend to have more acidic diets, urine is slightly acidic to get rid of some of it. Kidneys can also produce more bicarbonate when needed.

Acidosis

It is a condition resulting from higher than normal acid levels in the body fluids. It is not a disease, but may be an indicator of disease. Metabolic acidosis is related to processes that transform food into energy and body tissues. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, severe diarrhea and poisoning can result in metabolic acidosis. Mild acidosis is often compensated by the body in a no. of ways. However, prolonged acidosis can result in heavy or rapid breathing. weakness and headache. Acidemia (arterial pH < 7.35) is an accumulation of acids in the bloodstream but may occur with severe acidosis when the acid load exceeds respiratory capacity. This condition can sometimes result in coma and, if the pH falls below 6.80, it will lead to death. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition where excessive glucagon and a lack of insulin contribute to the production of ketoacids in the liver. This condition may be caused by chronic alcoholism and poor carbohydrate utilization.

Alkalosis

It is a condition resulting from a higher than normal level of base/alkali in the body fluids. An excessive loss of HCO₂ in the blood causes metabolic alkalosis. The body can compensate for mild alkalinity, but prolonged alkalosis can result in convulsions, muscular weakness, and even death if the pH rises above 7.80. Alkalosis can be caused by drugs or disorders that upset the normal acid - base balance. Prolonged vomiting and hyperventilation (abnormally, fast, deep breathing) can result in alkalosis.

In order to restore normal balance, alkalosis necessitates treating the underlying ailment, which may involve injecting a weak acid intravenously. Reducing drug intake may be necessary to restore the proper acid-base balance if drug abuse is the cause of alkalosis.