Biochemistry · Nutrition and Metabolic Integration

Acid-base balance: buffers and physiological regulation

2 min read

Quick Orientation

Section

Definition

Objective
Understand the core idea
Keywords
Acid-base balance, 7.35 to 7.45, 7.2

Significance and Functions

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
6.8 to 7.8

Production of acids by the body

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
volatile acid, 20,000 mEq/day, nonvolatile acids

Production of bases by the body

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
bicarbonate

Clinical Correlation

Objective
Connect the mechanism to clinical findings
Keywords
Diet and urinary pH

Definition

Acid-base balance is the homeostatic mechanism maintaining blood pH in the narrow range 7.35 to 7.45, i.e. slightly alkaline.