Chapter 44: Acid-Base Balance

These flashcards cover important concepts related to acid-base balance in physiology, mechanisms of regulation, disorders, and their physiological impacts.

Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of H+ ion concentration in body fluids.

pH

Negative log of the number of hydrogen ions present in one liter of solution.

Acidic Solutions

pH of 0, indicating a very high concentration of H+ ions.

Neutral Solution

pH of 7, indicating equal concentrations of H+ and OH- ions.

Alkaline Solution

pH of 14, indicating a very low concentration of H+ ions.

Carbonic Acid

Produced by aerobic metabolism of glucose.

Lactic Acid

Produced by anaerobic metabolism of glucose.

Sulfuric Acid

Generated from the oxidation of sulfur-containing amino acids.

Phosphoric Acid

Resulting from the breakdown of phosphoproteins and ribonucleotides.

Acidic Ketone Bodies

Produce from the incomplete breakdown of fats.

Acid-forming Foods

Typically high in protein.

Base-forming Foods

Typically high in fruits and vegetables.

Buffer System

Temporarily binds H+ to raise the pH of body fluids.

Protein Buffer System

Most abundant buffer in intracellular fluid (ICF) and blood plasma.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

Important regulator of blood pH, abundant in extracellular fluid (ECF).

Carbon Dioxide

Typically carried in blood and exhaled in lungs as CO2.

Phosphate Buffer System

Important buffer in ICF and urine for both H+ and OH-.

Acidosis

A condition where blood pH is below 7.35, leading to CNS depression.

Alkalosis

A condition where blood pH is above 7.45, leading to CNS over-excitability.

Compensation

Physiological responses to acid-base imbalance to normalize arterial blood pH.

Respiratory Compensation

Responses to pH changes due to metabolic causes by altering ventilation rates.

Metabolic Compensation

Changes in renal secretion of H+ and HCO3- to address pH changes.

Respiratory Acidosis

Condition of increased pCO2 and decreased pH due to hypoventilation.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Condition of decreased pCO2 and increased pH due to hyperventilation.

Metabolic Acidosis

Condition of decreased HCO3- and decreased pH due to bicarbonate loss.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Condition of increased HCO3- and increased pH due to acid loss.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Used to assess blood pH, bicarbonate, CO2, and O2 levels.

Hyperventilation

Increased breathing rate leading to decreased CO2 and higher pH.

Hypoventilation

Decreased breathing rate leading to increased CO2 and lower pH.

Symptoms of Acidosis

Disorientation, muscle weakness, and rapid, shallow respirations.

Symptoms of Alkalosis

Tingling of extremities, confusion, and deep, rapid breathing.

Renal Mechanism

Involved in the excretion of H+ ions to regulate blood pH.

Erythrocytes and pH Control

Carbon dioxide is carried in red blood cells and is crucial for pH regulation.

Pathophysiology of Acid-Base Disorders

Understanding of how deviations in pH affect body functions.

Take-Home Messages on pH Changes

Increased H+ results in decreased pH indicating acidosis.

Impact of Food on Acid/Base Balance

Different foods contribute to acid or base formation in the body.

Normal pH Range of Blood

Blood pH is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45.

Physiological Effects of Acidosis

CNS depression leading to disorientation and comas.

Physiological Effects of Alkalosis

Over-excitability of CNS leading to muscle spasms and convulsions.

Clinical Sign of Acidosis

Rapid breathing in response to lowering pH.