A&P II Acid Base Balance Buffer Systems
33 flashcards covering A&P II Acid Base Balance Buffer Systems for the ANATOMY-PHYSIOLOGY-2 A&P II Systems section.
Acid-base balance and buffer systems are essential components of human physiology, regulating the pH of body fluids to maintain homeostasis. This topic is defined by the American Physiological Society and is critical in understanding how the body responds to metabolic and respiratory changes. Key buffer systems, including bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein buffers, play a pivotal role in neutralizing excess acids or bases in the body.
On practice exams and competency assessments, questions on this topic often include case studies or scenarios that require applying knowledge of buffer systems to clinical situations. Common traps include confusing the roles of different buffer systems or miscalculating the pH impact of certain conditions. A frequent oversight is underestimating the speed at which the bicarbonate buffer system can respond to acute changes in acid-base balance, which can lead to misinterpretation of lab results or patient conditions.
Terms (33)
- 01
What is the primary function of buffer systems in the body?
Buffer systems in the body primarily function to maintain pH stability by neutralizing excess acids or bases, thereby preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 02
Which buffer system is the most important in extracellular fluid?
The bicarbonate buffer system is the most important in extracellular fluid, as it helps to regulate blood pH by balancing carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 03
What is the role of proteins in buffering?
Proteins act as buffers by accepting or donating hydrogen ions, thus helping to maintain pH balance within cells and tissues (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 04
How does the phosphate buffer system function?
The phosphate buffer system functions by utilizing dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4-) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO4^2-) to resist changes in pH, particularly in the intracellular fluid and kidneys (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 05
What happens to pH when carbon dioxide levels increase?
When carbon dioxide levels increase, the pH decreases (becomes more acidic) due to the formation of carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 06
How do the kidneys contribute to acid-base balance?
The kidneys contribute to acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine, thus helping to regulate blood pH (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 07
What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation used for?
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is used to calculate the pH of a buffer solution based on the concentration of the acid and its conjugate base, providing insight into the buffer's effectiveness (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 08
How does hyperventilation affect blood pH?
Hyperventilation leads to decreased carbon dioxide levels, resulting in an increase in blood pH (alkalosis) due to reduced carbonic acid concentration (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 09
What is the bicarbonate buffer system equation?
The bicarbonate buffer system equation is CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3 ⇌ HCO3- + H+, illustrating the dynamic equilibrium that regulates pH (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 10
Which organ primarily regulates bicarbonate levels in the body?
The kidneys primarily regulate bicarbonate levels in the body by reabsorbing or excreting bicarbonate ions as needed to maintain acid-base balance (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 11
What occurs during metabolic acidosis?
During metabolic acidosis, there is an increase in hydrogen ion concentration or a decrease in bicarbonate, leading to a decrease in blood pH (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 12
How often should acid-base balance be assessed in patients with respiratory conditions?
Acid-base balance should be assessed regularly in patients with respiratory conditions, typically during each clinical evaluation or as indicated by symptoms (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 13
What is the primary buffer in the intracellular fluid?
The primary buffer in intracellular fluid is the phosphate buffer system, which helps maintain pH within cells (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 14
What role does hemoglobin play in acid-base balance?
Hemoglobin acts as a buffer by binding to hydrogen ions and carbon dioxide, helping to regulate blood pH during gas exchange (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 15
When is respiratory compensation for acidosis indicated?
Respiratory compensation for acidosis is indicated when the body attempts to increase ventilation to expel carbon dioxide and raise pH (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 16
What is the effect of lactic acid on blood pH?
Lactic acid lowers blood pH, leading to metabolic acidosis, particularly during intense exercise or tissue hypoxia (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 17
How does the body respond to alkalosis?
In response to alkalosis, the body may decrease respiratory rate to retain carbon dioxide, which helps lower pH back to normal (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 18
What is the role of the lungs in acid-base balance?
The lungs help regulate acid-base balance by controlling the exhalation of carbon dioxide, thus influencing blood pH levels (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 19
What are the two primary types of acidosis?
The two primary types of acidosis are respiratory acidosis, caused by impaired gas exchange, and metabolic acidosis, resulting from increased acid production or decreased bicarbonate (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 20
What is the significance of the anion gap in metabolic acidosis?
The anion gap helps to differentiate between types of metabolic acidosis by measuring the difference between primary measured cations and anions in plasma (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 21
How does renal compensation for alkalosis occur?
Renal compensation for alkalosis occurs through the excretion of bicarbonate and retention of hydrogen ions to lower blood pH (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 22
What is the primary mechanism of the bicarbonate buffer system?
The primary mechanism of the bicarbonate buffer system is the reversible reaction between carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions, which helps to stabilize pH (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 23
Which buffer system is most effective in the blood?
The bicarbonate buffer system is the most effective buffer system in the blood, due to its ability to quickly neutralize excess acids and bases (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 24
What happens during respiratory alkalosis?
During respiratory alkalosis, there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels due to hyperventilation, resulting in an increase in blood pH (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 25
How do carbonic anhydrase inhibitors affect acid-base balance?
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can affect acid-base balance by reducing the formation of carbonic acid, leading to metabolic acidosis (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 26
What is the role of lactate in acid-base balance?
Lactate can contribute to metabolic acidosis when produced in excess during anaerobic metabolism, impacting blood pH (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 27
How does dehydration affect acid-base balance?
Dehydration can lead to metabolic acidosis by concentrating acids in the blood and reducing bicarbonate availability (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 28
What is the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?
pH is inversely related to hydrogen ion concentration; as hydrogen ion concentration increases, pH decreases (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 29
What compensatory mechanisms are activated during acidosis?
During acidosis, compensatory mechanisms include increased respiratory rate to expel CO2 and renal excretion of hydrogen ions (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 30
What indicates a respiratory cause of acid-base imbalance?
A respiratory cause of acid-base imbalance is indicated by changes in arterial blood gases, particularly elevated or decreased CO2 levels (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 31
How does the body maintain homeostasis in acid-base balance?
The body maintains homeostasis in acid-base balance through buffer systems, respiratory regulation, and renal function to adjust pH levels (Marieb, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 32
What is the effect of bicarbonate administration in acidosis?
Bicarbonate administration can help correct acidosis by increasing bicarbonate levels in the blood, thus raising pH (Tortora, Anatomy and Physiology).
- 33
How does exercise influence acid-base balance?
Exercise influences acid-base balance by increasing lactic acid production, which can lead to temporary metabolic acidosis (Saladin, Anatomy and Physiology).