Acid-Base Regulation and Disorders

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the physiological ranges, chemical mechanisms, and clinical disorders of acid-base balance based on the provided lecture notes.

Blood pH Range

A narrow range of $7.35-7.45$ necessary for proper enzyme function.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

An indicator of acid-base status of extracellular function measuring $PaCO_2$, $HCO_3^-$, and pH.

PaCO2

A measurement in an ABG that reflects respiratory function.

HCO3- (Bicarbonate)

A measurement in an ABG that reflects metabolic (renal) function and the relative amount of metabolic acid in the blood.

Carbonic acid equation

The reaction where carbon dioxide and water form carbonic acid, represented as $CO_2 + H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3$.

Buffers

The first line of defense in pH regulation consisting of weak acids and bases that take up or release $H^+$ to prevent large pH changes.

Bicarbonate to Carbonic Acid Ratio

The normal ratio maintained in the body, which is $20:1$.

Volatile Acid

Characterized by carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), which is eliminated by the respiratory system.

Respiratory Regulation of High pH

A process where the respiratory rate slows (hypoventilation) to release less $CO_2$ and lower pH.

Respiratory Regulation of Low pH

A process where the respiratory rate increases (hyperventilation) to get rid of $CO_2$ and raise pH.

Ammonium ion ($NH_4^+$)

The form through which $H^+$ is excreted or buffered by the renal system.

Lungs Compensation

The mechanism that compensates for metabolic acid changes.

Kidneys Compensation

The mechanism that compensates for altered carbonic acid changes.

Metabolic Acidosis

A disorder defined as a pH below $7.35$ with an abnormally low $HCO_3^-$ concentration.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

A specific form of acidosis occurring when insulin is unavailable, leading to fat metabolism and a buildup of ketone bodies.

Respiratory Acidosis

A disorder defined as a pH below $7.35$ with an abnormally high $PaCO_2$, often due to hypoventilation.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A disorder defined as a pH above $7.45$ with an abnormally high $HCO_3^-$ concentration.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A disorder defined as a pH above $7.45$ with an abnormally low $PaCO_2$, often due to hypoxemia, pain, or anxiety.

Mixed Acid-Base Disorder

A condition where two primary acid-base disorders are present independently at the same time.

Hypoventilation

A compensatory mechanism for metabolic alkalosis to increase $PaCO_2$ levels.

Hyperventilation

A compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis to decrease $PaCO_2$ levels.