Intracellular Electrical Environment Aqueous Solutions Tampon Systems Blood Gasses

A robust collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the Introduction to Medical Sciences - I lecture, focusing on acid-base balance, physiological buffer systems, and related biophysical principles.

Intracellular Electrical Environment

The environment within cells characterized by electrical properties influencing cellular functions.

Aqueous Solutions

Solutions in which water is the solvent, important in biological processes.

Tampon Systems

Systems that help maintain pH stability in biological fluids.

Blood Gasses

Gases dissolved in the blood, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are essential for respiration.

pH Concept

A measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution based on H+ ion concentration.

Acid-Base Balance

The regulation of acidity and alkalinity in the body fluids to maintain homeostasis.

Physiological Buffer Systems

Biological systems that help resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

Blood Gas Measurement Methods

Techniques used to determine the levels of gases dissolved in blood.

Total Body Water

The total amount of fluid in the human body, approximately 70% of body weight.

Intracellular Fluid

The fluid within cells, making up about 40% of total body water.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid outside of cells, comprising about 20% of total body water.

Intravascular Fluid

Fluid within blood vessels.

Extravascular Fluid

Fluid outside of blood vessels, including interstitial and transcellular fluids.

Acids

Substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.

Bases

Substances that accept hydrogen ions (H+) or release hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.

Hydronium Ion (H3O+)

Ion formed when a water molecule gains an H+ ion.

OH- Ion

Hydroxide ion, characteristic of basic solutions.

H+ Ion Concentration

The amount of hydrogen ions in a solution, used to calculate pH.

Neutral pH

A pH of 7, where H+ and OH- concentrations are equal.

pH Scale

A logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14 used to measure acidity or basicity.

pH Meter

An instrument used to measure the pH of a solution.

Amphoteric Substances

Substances that can act as both acids and bases.

Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

A pair consisting of a proton donor (acid) and a proton acceptor (base).

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

An equation used to calculate pH of buffer solutions based on the concentration of its components.

Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

A crucial buffer system for maintaining pH in extracellular fluid.

Phosphate Buffer System

A buffer system important for intracellular fluid and kidney function.

Protein Buffer System

Buffer system operating mainly within cells and blood plasma.

Hemoglobin Buffer System

Buffering system in red blood cells helping to transport CO2 and maintain pH.

Electrolyes

Ions in solution that conduct electricity and are crucial for physiological functions.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an increase in hydrogen ion concentration, lowering blood pH.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration, raising blood pH.

Buffer Capacity

The ability of a buffer solution to resist changes in pH upon addition of acids or bases.

Compensation Mechanisms

Physiological processes that restore acid-base balance in the body.

Metabolic Acidosis

A decrease in bicarbonate concentration leading to lowered pH.

Respiratory Acidosis

An excess of carbon dioxide leading to decreased pH.

Metabolic Alkalosis

An increase in bicarbonate concentration leading to elevated pH.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A decrease in carbon dioxide leading to elevated pH.

Homeostasis

Regulation and maintenance of stable internal conditions within the body.

pCO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in blood, important for acid-base balance.

Hypoventilation

Reduced ventilation leading to increased pCO2 and decreased pH.

Hyperventilation

Increased ventilation leading to decreased pCO2 and increased pH.

Hemoglobin Affinity for Oxygen

The tendency of hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, influenced by pH, temperature, and CO2 levels.

Oxygen Status

Refers to the concentration of oxygen in the blood, critical for cellular metabolism.

Electrolyte Values

Measurements of ions in the blood that are vital for physiological processes.

Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

A test measuring pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate levels to assess acid-base balance.

Dead Space Ventilation

Areas of the respiratory system where no gas exchange occurs.

Acid-Base Disorders

Conditions resulting from imbalances in acid and base concentrations in the body.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

A crucial buffer in the blood that helps regulate pH.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A waste product of metabolism that affects blood pH.

Dialysis

A medical treatment for filtering waste from the blood, particularly useful in kidney failure.

Fluid Electrolyte Balance

The balance of fluid and electrolytes necessary for normal body function.

Blood pH Range

The normal pH range for arterial blood, typically 7.35 to 7.45.

pH Regulation

The processes by which the body maintains pH within the normal range.

Renal Compensation

Kidney adjustments in HCO3- and H+ secretion to maintain acid-base balance.

Respiratory Compensation

The adjustment of ventilation rate to manage acid-base imbalances.

Chloride Shift

The exchange of bicarbonate ions and chloride ions across red blood cell membranes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A condition arising from insufficient insulin, resulting in increased ketones and acidosis.

Hemoglobin Saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites occupied by oxygen.

Kussmaul Respirations

Abnormal breaths characterized by a deep and labored breathing pattern.

Acid-Base Balance Mechanism

Processes involving lungs and kidneys to maintain a stable pH.

Strong Acids

Acids that dissociate completely in solution, releasing maximum H+.

Weak Acids

Acids that partially dissociate in solution, releasing fewer H+.

pH = 7

Indicates a neutral solution where concentrations of H+ and OH- are equal.

Strong Bases

Bases that dissociate completely in solution, producing maximum OH-.

Weak Bases

Bases that partially dissociate in solution, producing fewer OH-.

Temperature Effects on pH

Changes in temperature can affect the pH of bodily fluids.

Proton Donors and Acceptors

Substances that can donate or accept protons (H+ ions) in reactions.

Buffer Action

The process through which buffers minimize changes in pH.

Physiological Response to Acidosis

Compensatory mechanisms initiated by the body to counteract acidosis.

Physiological Response to Alkalosis

Compensatory mechanisms initiated by the body to counteract alkalosis.

Acidic Conditions

Conditions where pH is below 7, indicating higher concentration of H+.

Basic Conditions

Conditions where pH is above 7, indicating lower concentration of H+.

Bicarbonate Reabsorption

The process of kidneys reclaiming bicarbonate ions from urine.

CO2 Elimination

The removal of carbon dioxide through respiration to regulate pH.

pH Buffering

The ability of a solution to resist changes in pH when an acid or base is added.

Metabolite Monitoring

Tracking substances produced during metabolism for assessment of health.

Respiratory Rate in Acid-Base Balance

Adjustments in breathing rate impacting blood CO2 and pH.

Nephron Function

The functional unit of kidneys responsible for filtering and regulating fluid and electrolytes.

Hypoxia

A deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, can affect pH balance.

Dysrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms that may occur due to acid-base imbalances.

Oxygen Transport

The movement of oxygen from the lungs to tissues via hemoglobin.

Tissue Oxygenation

The process of delivering sufficient oxygen to body tissues.

Ion Concentration Gradients

Differences in concentration of ions across a membrane influencing fluid movement.

Chloride Ions (Cl-)

Negative ions important in maintaining electrical neutrality and fluid balance.

Potassium Ions (K+)

Essential cations involved in cellular functions and heart rhythm.

Sodium Ions (Na+)

Cations that help regulate fluid balance and are crucial for nerve impulses.

Calcium Ions (Ca2+)

Ions that play key roles in muscle contractions and nerve signaling.

Magnesium Ions (Mg2+)

Ions that are important for enzyme function and muscle relaxation.

Nitric Oxide Role

A gas that plays a role in vasodilation and pH balance.

Fetal Circulation

Blood flow patterns in prenatal life, which differ from postnatal circulation.

Circulation Changes at Birth

Dramatic circulatory shifts that occur when a newborn takes its first breath.

Hemoglobin Variants

Different forms of hemoglobin that may alter oxygen binding.

Erythrocyte Lifecycle

The lifespan and functional changes of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Venous Return

The flow of deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Myocardial Oxygen Demand

The amount of oxygen the heart muscle needs for effective contraction.

Oxygen Saturation Monitoring

Tracking the percentage of hemoglobin bound with oxygen.

Metabolic Demand and pH

The relationship between metabolic activity and changes in blood pH.

Gas Exchange Dynamics

Processes involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in lungs.

Buffer Systems Overview

A summary of various buffering systems in the body and their functions.

Body’s Response to Exercise

Physiological adjustments made during physical activity affecting acid-base status.