acid base regulation

• Acid-Base Balance:

  • Acid-base balance refers to the equilibrium between acids and bases (alkalis) in the body's fluids, especially the blood.
  • The body maintains a delicate balance between acidic and basic substances to ensure the proper functioning of cells and enzymes.
• pH Scale:

  • The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14, where 0 is extremely acidic, 7 is neutral, and 14 is highly alkaline.
• Acidosis and Alkalosis:

  • When the blood becomes too acidic, it is called acidosis. When it becomes too alkaline, it is called alkalosis.
  • Acidosis and alkalosis can disrupt cellular functions and may lead to health issues if not corrected.
• Mechanism of regulation- buffer systems

  • The body uses chemical buffer systems to resist changes in pH.
  • Buffers are substances that can absorb excess hydrogen ions (H+) to prevent the blood from becoming too acidic or release hydrogen ions to counteract alkaline conditions.
• Mechanism of regulation- respiratory regulation

  The respiratory system plays a crucial role in acid-base balance.

  When the blood becomes too acidic:

  • the lungs increase the breathing rate, expelling more carbon dioxide (CO2) through exhalation.
  • CO2 combines with water in the blood to form carbonic acid, which decreases blood acidity (pH increases).
  • When the blood becomes too alkaline:the lungs slow down breathing, allowing CO2 levels to increase and help restore normal pH.
• mechanisms for regulation- Renal (Kidney) Regulation: 

  • The kidneys regulate acid-base balance by excreting excess hydrogen ions into urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) back into the bloodstream.
  • When the blood is too acidic: the kidneys excrete more hydrogen ions and retain more bicarbonate ions to help restore pH balance.
  • when the blood is too alkaline, the kidneys retain more hydrogen ions and excrete more bicarbonate ions.
• mechanisms for regulation- Excretion of Acidic and Basic Substances: 

  • The body eliminates acidic substances (such as metabolic waste products) through various excretory systems, including the respiratory system (carbon dioxide) and urinary system (excretion of hydrogen ions and certain acids in the urine).
  • Similarly, basic substances are excreted to maintain the acid-base balance.