Blood buffer system

Acid-base buffers in human body

1. - Angel Yoanna Blood Buffer System

2. Introduction The maintenance of the blood pH is important for the proper functioning of our body and can be critical if not maintained. The main buffers in blood are bicarbonate, haemoglobin, plasma proteins and phosphates. Mainly, the buffer involves carbonic acid ( H 2 CO 3 ), a weak acid, and bicarbonate ion (HCO 3- ), the conjugate base.

3. Bicarbonate Buffer System - When an acid enters the bloodstream: This is to prevent the blood from becoming acidic. - When a base enters the bloodstream: This is to prevent the blood from becoming basic. Due to this, the concentrations of H 2 CO 3 and HCO 3- fluctuate.

4. Other Blood Buffer Systems Haemoglobin: Plasma Protein: Phosphate:

5. Why is T his Critical? If the blood pH goes lower than 6.8 or higher than 7.4, the enzymes and cells would denature and stop functioning which would cause death. Cells and enzymes function at a specific temperature and pH level. Therefore, anything below or above the specific temperature and pH level would denature it and the body would stop functioning causing a lot of diseases and eventually death!

6. Abnormalities Acidosis: an abnormal condition due to excess of acid in blood that cause the pH to d rop below 7.35. Alkalosis: an abnormal condition due to excess of base in blood that cause the pH to rise above 7.45.

7. Causation Acidosis is caused by: Increased acid production within body. Consumption of substances metabolized by acid. Decreased acid secretion Increased base secretion Alkalosis is caused by: Disturbances in electrolyte due to severe dehydration or prolonged vomiting. Consumption of base Hyperventilation with increased excretion of acid in the form of CO 2 . Also any disease that affects the lungs, kidneys, metabolism or breathing can cause these two conditions.

8. Treatment The treatment for Acidosis and Alkalosis is to identify the cause of the pH imbalance and providing medications or support according to it. The treatment to this is mostly never direct. But at times, health practitioners give intravenous HCO 3- to people who have dangerously low blood pH.

9. Citation https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/chemical-processes/acid-base-equilibria/a/chemistry-of-buffers-and-buffers-in-blood https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/acidosis/ Google Images

10. Thank you!