Lecture Test 3 (A&P) pt.3

Homeostasis

A state of equilibrium where the amount of fluid entering the body equals the amount exiting.

Electrolyte balance

The interdependent regulation of key electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium in the body.

Osmosis

The process by which water moves across cell membranes to maintain balance, influenced by solute concentrations.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid found inside cells, constituting about 60% of total body water.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid found outside cells, accounting for about 40% of total body water.

Sodium

A key cation that supports depolarization in neurons and maintains osmotic pressure.

Potassium

The major intracellular cation necessary for repolarization and regulated by aldosterone.

Hypernatremia

Condition characterized by excess sodium often due to water loss or insufficient ADH production.

Hypokalemia

Condition defined by low potassium levels, which can arise from decreased intake or excessive loss.

Calcium

An essential electrolyte vital for muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and blood clotting.

Acid-base balance

Regulation of hydrogen ions in the body to maintain stable pH levels.

Chemical buffer systems

Systems that stabilize pH by binding or releasing hydrogen ions.

Protein Buffering System

A buffer system wherein proteins bind hydrogen ions, providing intracellular pH stabilization.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

An extracellular buffering system that helps regulate pH around 7.4.

Respiratory compensation

Regulatory response to acid-base imbalances affecting carbon dioxide levels.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition arising from bicarbonate deficiency often due to excessive organic acids in the blood.

Respiratory Acidosis

Condition resulting from excess carbon dioxide lowering blood pH due to impaired respiration.

Hydrostatic pressure

Pressure that pushes water out of blood vessels, facilitating fluid exchange.

Osmotic pressure

Pressure that attracts water into blood vessels, aiding in fluid retention.

Infants' body water content

Typically higher than adults', reflecting their different body composition.

Renal system

System responsible for regulating acid-base balance over a longer timeframe than the respiratory and chemical buffering systems.

Fluid compartments

Divisions of body fluids into intracellular and extracellular compartments, each with distinct characteristics.

Bicarbonate

A critical buffer in the blood that helps maintain acid-base balance.

Chloride

An anion that accompanies sodium to maintain osmotic pressure in the body.

Calcitonin

Hormone that lowers blood calcium levels by promoting calcium storage in bones.

Parathyroid hormone

Hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Condition characterized by an excess of bicarbonate, often resulting from vomiting or diuretic use.

Capillary membranes

Thin barriers that enable the exchange of nutrients and waste between blood and interstitial fluid.

Fluid movement significance

Key for physiological processes, especially in the cardiovascular system.

Renal control of pH

The renal system's regulation of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate critical for pH maintenance.

Disruption in pH regulation

Can lead to pathological states including acidosis and alkalosis.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by a low blood pH due to excess carbon dioxide or acid buildup.

Alkalosis

A condition defined by a high blood pH, often due to low carbon dioxide levels.

Hydration importance

Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are vital for maintaining homeostasis.

Sodium loss causes

Can occur through sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination.

Hyperkalemia

Condition of high potassium levels, often associated with renal dysfunction.

Buffer systems

Mechanisms that minimize pH changes without completely eliminating acids or bases.

Diagnostic importance of blood gases

Essential for diagnosing acid-base disorders, involving pH, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate measurements.

Interdependence of fluid and electrolyte balance

Fluid balance relies on the correct regulation of electrolytes for homeostasis.

Adipose tissue impact on water retention

Resists water retention, leading to differing water content across individuals.

Muscle contraction and calcium

Calcium is crucial for enabling muscle contractions.

Homeostatic mechanisms

Processes the body employs to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Hydrogen ions role

Fluctuations in their concentration can significantly impact metabolic reactions.

Blood plasma protein concentration

Higher than interstitial fluid for proteins, reflecting different fluid compositions.

Health implications of electrolyte imbalance

Understanding electrolyte dynamics is crucial for health management.

Enzymatic activity and pH

Directly influenced by hydrogen ion concentration and acid-base balance.

Extracellular fluid composition

Distinct from intracellular fluid, with varying protein concentrations.

Calcium absorption aids

Primarily facilitated by vitamin D for effective utilization in the body.

Exchange of nutrients

Occurs through capillary membranes, highlighting fluid movement importance.

Stable environment maintenance

Electrolyte balance contributes to a stable physiological environment.

Fluid intake awareness

Being conscious about fluid intake helps maintain homeostasis.

Renal system's slower response

Compared to respiratory and chemical systems, it's slower but long-lasting.

Sodium and potassium regulation roles

Executed primarily through cellular pumps and hormonal influences.

What is the role of chemical buffer systems in pH balance?

Chemical buffer systems quickly bind or release hydrogen ions to prevent rapid changes in pH.

What are the limitations of chemical buffer systems?

Chemical buffers have a finite amount of buffering capacity and can be exhausted under excess acid or base conditions.

What primary system is responsible for protein buffering?

The protein buffering system, which includes hemoglobin, primarily buffers pH changes intracellularly.

How do proteins contribute to pH balance?

Proteins can release hydrogen ions via their amino terminus and accept hydrogen ions at their carboxyl terminus to help stabilize pH.

What does the phosphate buffer system consist of?

The phosphate buffer system consists of mono hydrogen phosphate and dihydrogen phosphate, functioning primarily intracellularly.

What is the bicarbonate buffer system?

The bicarbonate buffer system converts strong acids into weak ones, primarily functioning in the plasma and interstitial fluids.

What happens during respiratory compensation for acidosis?

In acidosis, the respiratory center increases the rate and depth of breathing to expel CO2, thereby decreasing carbonic acid and raising pH.

How does the renal system contribute to acid-base balance?

The renal system manages acid-base balance by filtering hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate, affecting blood pH over a longer period.

What is metabolic acidosis?

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a bicarbonate deficiency, leading to a low blood pH, and can result from organic acid accumulation or certain medical conditions.

What are common causes of metabolic alkalosis?

Common causes of metabolic alkalosis include excessive vomiting, gastric drainage, and loss of hydrogen ions, leading to a high bicarbonate concentration.

How is respiratory alkalosis defined?

Respiratory alkalosis occurs due to a deficiency of carbon dioxide, commonly caused by hyperventilation from fever, anxiety, or hypoxia.

What does the diagnosis of acidosis include measuring?

Diagnosis includes measuring blood pH, bicarbonate, and carbon dioxide levels to determine if the condition is metabolic or respiratory.

What is the normal blood pH range?

The normal blood pH range is between 7.35 and 7.45.

What are the symptoms of acidosis?

Symptoms of acidosis can include fatigue, confusion, and decreased muscle function.

What occurs in metabolic compensation for alkalosis?

In metabolic alkalosis, the body conserves hydrogen ions and decreases bicarbonate production to restore balance.

How do body systems respond to maintain pH within normal limits?

The body utilizes chemical buffers, respiratory adjustments, and renal function to maintain stable pH levels.

What triggers the respiratory center in the brain to adjust breathing?

Changes in blood pH due to CO2 levels trigger the respiratory center to increase or decrease the breathing rate.

What is the function of the bicarbonate ion in the bicarbonate buffer system?

The bicarbonate ion helps to neutralize strong acids, converting them into weaker acids.

Under what conditions can renal compensation become limiting?

Renal compensation can become limiting due to slower response times compared to respiratory adjustments.

What indicates a disorder in pH balance according to the note?

A disorder may indicate the body's inability to maintain normal pH and may result from respiratory or metabolic issues.

What is the primary respiratory issue contributing to respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis is typically caused by increased carbon dioxide levels resulting from impaired respiration.

How does hypercapnia affect respiratory function?

Hypercapnia, or high CO2 levels, stimulates increased respiration to lower carbonic acid and raise blood pH.

What is the effect of prolonged vomiting on bicarbonate levels?

Prolonged vomiting can lead to a loss of bicarbonate, causing metabolic alkalosis due to the resultant acid-base imbalance.

What is the role of diuretics in metabolic alkalosis?

Diuretics can induce metabolic alkalosis by promoting potassium loss, leading to increased bicarbonate retention.

What distinguishes respiratory compensation from metabolic compensation?

Respiratory compensation adjusts CO2 levels quickly, while metabolic compensation involves managing bicarbonate and hydrogen ion levels more gradually.

How do acid-base disorders affect the muscle system?

Acid-base disorders can lead to muscle twitching, spasms, or seizures, distinguishing them from other symptoms.

What metabolic disorder can result in increased ketone production?

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition resulting in the overproduction of ketones, contributing to metabolic acidosis.

How does the retention of urea affect blood acid-base balance?

Uremia can lead to metabolic acidosis through the accumulation of urea, impacting acid-base homeostasis.

How can one diagnose metabolic disorders affecting pH?

Diagnosis involves measuring blood gases, including pH and levels of bicarbonates and carbon dioxide, to assess metabolic state.

How are changes in urine pH indicative of acid-base balance?

Changes in urine pH reflect the renal response to metabolic conditions and can indicate systemic acid-base imbalances.

What symptom accompanies metabolic acidosis related to the kidney?

Uremia or impaired kidney function can lead to symptoms of metabolic acidosis due to inadequate acid excretion.

How can metabolic alkalosis result from diet?

Excessive ingestion of antacids or bicarbonate can result in metabolic alkalosis due to elevated bicarbonate levels.

What effect does hypokalemia have on acid-base balance?

Hypokalemia can disrupt acid-base balance by leading to shifts in hydrogen ion concentration and bicarbonate retention.

How does the body primarily manage acidosis?

The body primarily manages acidosis through increasing respiration to decrease carbon dioxide and raise pH.

What is the relationship between respiratory rates and acid-base balance?

Respiratory rates directly affect acid-base balance by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide and, in turn, carbonic acid.

What is the consequence of not addressing severe acidosis or alkalosis?

Failure to address severe acidosis or alkalosis can lead to life-threatening conditions or death.

How do buffer systems prevent pH changes?

Buffer systems resist changes in pH but do not remove excess acids or bases; they minimize fluctuations.

How does the body respond to high acidity in the blood?

The body increases respiratory rates to exhale more CO2, reducing acidity and restoring balance.

What happens to blood pH during respiratory alkalosis?

In respiratory alkalosis, blood pH increases due to low levels of carbon dioxide from excessive ventilation.

Why is monitoring blood gases crucial in diagnosing acid-base disorders?

Monitoring blood gases is essential to identify acid-base disorders accurately and inform appropriate treatments.

What is a common treatment for metabolic acidosis?

Treatment may involve administering bicarbonate or addressing the underlying causes of acid accumulation.

How does bicarbonate reabsorption impact blood pH?

Increased bicarbonate reabsorption raises blood pH by neutralizing excess acids in the bloodstream.

What is the primary role of hemoglobin in acid-base equilibrium?

Hemoglobin binds hydrogen ions and CO2, facilitating carbon dioxide transport and thus influencing blood pH.

What symptoms might indicate metabolic alkalosis?

Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis can include muscle cramps, twitching, and feelings of confusion.

Describe how diarrhea affects acid-base balance.

Diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate-rich fluids.