Acid-Base Balance in Physiology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to acid-base balance in physiology, focusing on definitions, mechanisms, and clinical significance.

pH

A measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, calculated as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration.

Hydrogen ion concentration

The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution; higher concentrations correspond to lower pH (more acidic).

Acidic solution

A solution with a pH less than 7, indicating a higher concentration of hydrogen ions.

Alkaline solution

A solution with a pH greater than 7, indicating a lower concentration of hydrogen ions.

Neutral pH

A pH level of 7, indicating a balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, including the regulation of pH.

Buffers

Substances that minimize changes in pH by absorbing excess hydrogen ions or donating them as necessary.

Volatile acids

Acids that can be converted to gas; for example, carbonic acid can dissociate into carbon dioxide and water.

Nonvolatile acids

Acids that cannot be converted to gas; these are eliminated only by the kidneys.

Carbonic acid

A key volatile acid in the body, formed from carbon dioxide and water (H2CO3).

Bicarbonate buffering system

A major physiological buffer system involving the equilibrium between carbonic acid and bicarbonate.

Respiratory compensation

A mechanism by which the lungs help regulate pH by altering carbon dioxide levels through ventilation.

Renal compensation

A mechanism by which the kidneys help regulate pH by controlling the secretion of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate.

Respiratory acidosis

A condition characterized by low pH and high carbon dioxide levels, indicating a respiratory problem.

Metabolic acidosis

A condition characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate, often due to excess acid or loss of base.

Acidosis

A condition where there is an increase in hydrogen ion concentration or a decrease in bicarbonate.

Alkalosis

A condition where there is a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration or an increase in bicarbonate.

Acid-base imbalance

A disturbance in the body's normal acid-base balance, which can lead to various health issues.

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)

The pressure exerted by carbon dioxide in the blood, used to assess respiratory function.

Arterial blood gases (ABGs)

Tests that measure the acidity (pH) and levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Compensation mechanisms

The body's processes to correct pH imbalances through respiratory or renal adjustments.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A waste product of metabolism that can affect pH when levels are high or low.

Hydrogen ions (H+)

Ions that determine the acidity of a solution; increased concentrations lower pH and contribute to acidosis.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

A base that helps to regulate pH by neutralizing excess acids in the body.

Metabolic alkalosis

A condition characterized by high pH and high bicarbonate, often due to excessive loss of acids.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

A form of metabolic acidosis that occurs as a complication of diabetes, marked by high levels of ketones.

Hyperventilation

An increase in the rate and depth of breathing, which can lead to respiratory alkalosis by lowering CO2.

Renal tubules

Structures in the kidneys that play a crucial role in the excretion of hydrogen ions and conservation of bicarbonate.

pH level of 7.4

The ideal pH level for biological fluids, indicating a well-balanced acid-base status.

Acid-base disorders

Clinical conditions resulting from imbalances in the body's acid-base homeostasis.

Clinical interpretation of ABGs

A process of analyzing arterial blood gas results to diagnose acid-base disorders.

Equilibrium

A state where the concentrations of acids and bases in the body are balanced.

Respiratory center

The part of the brain that regulates breathing and helps maintain acid-base balance through CO2 levels.

Signs of acidosis

Symptoms that may present in patients with acidosis, like confusion and lethargy.

Practice questions for ABG interpretation

Exercises designed to help students apply their knowledge of acid-base balance and ABG analysis.

ABG interpretation mnemonics

Memory aids used to help recall the relationships between pH, CO2, and HCO3- in different acid-base conditions.

Fluid balance

The maintenance of appropriate fluid levels in the body, which is closely related to acid-base balance.

Organic acids

Acids produced during metabolic processes that can affect the body's pH.

Acid-base homeostasis

The balance of acids and bases in the body to maintain a stable pH.

Diagnostic tests for acidosis

Laboratory tests used to identify the causes and implications of acid-base imbalances.

Acid-base regulatory systems

The body's mechanisms (e.g., respiratory, renal) that work together to maintain normal pH.

Primary acid-base disturbance

The initial condition affecting acid-base balance, either respiratory or metabolic.

Secondary compensation

The body's compensatory response to restore normal pH following an acid-base disturbance.

pH values for normal range

Normal blood pH range is between 7.35 and 7.45.

Acid-base disturbances

Abnormal conditions affecting acid-base balance, categorized into respiratory or metabolic.

Hydroxyl ion concentration

The concentration of hydroxyl ions in a solution, inversely related to hydrogen ion concentration.

Hemoglobin as a buffer

Hemoglobin in red blood cells binds hydrogen ions to minimize fluctuations in pH.

ACID mnemonic

A memory aid for understanding acid-base disorders: Acidosis, Concentration, Implications, Diagnosis.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-) normal range

Normal bicarbonate levels are typically between 22 and 26 mEq/L.

Signs of alkalosis

Symptoms associated with alkalosis, such as muscle twitching and spasms.