[05] Acid-Base Balance

Question 1

What role does the urinary system play in maintaining acid-base balance?

Answer 1

It excretes hydrogen ions and reabsorbs bicarbonate ions from urine, helping regulate blood pH

Question 2

How do kidneys maintain acid-base balance in the body?

Answer 2

They excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate ions during urine formation

Question 3

What is the normal pH range of blood?

Answer 3

7.35-7.45

Question 4

How do the kidneys respond to acidosis (low blood pH)?

Answer 4

They increase hydrogen ion excretion and bicarbonate ion reabsorption

Question 5

How do the kidneys respond to alkalosis (high blood pH)?

Answer 5

They decrease hydrogen ion excretion and bicarbonate ion reabsorption

Question 6

What is metabolic acidosis and how do the kidneys respond to it?

Answer 6

Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by low blood pH due to non-respiratory factors. The kidneys respond by increasing bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion

Question 7

What is metabolic alkalosis and how do the kidneys respond to it?

Answer 7

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition characterized by high blood pH due to non-respiratory factors. The kidneys respond by decreasing bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion

Question 8

What is the role of the renal tubules in acid-base balance?

Answer 8

They selectively excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate ions during urine formation

Question 9

What role do buffers play in acid-base balance in the body?

Answer 9

Buffers neutralize excess acids or bases in body fluids, helping maintain stable blood pH

Question 10

What is the main buffer system in the body?

Answer 10

The bicarbonate buffer system

Question 11

How does the bicarbonate buffer system work?

Answer 11

It neutralizes strong acids and bases to maintain blood pH within the normal range

Question 12

How does the urinary system regulate the bicarbonate levels in the blood?

Answer 12

By adjusting bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion in urine

Question 13

What role do distal convoluted tubules play in acid-base balance?

Answer 13

They secrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate ions into the blood, helping regulate blood pH

Question 14

How is urine pH related to body’s acid-base balance?

Answer 14

Urine pH can indicate the body’s acid-base status. Acidic urine (pH less than 7) can indicate acidosis, while alkaline urine (pH greater than 7) can indicate alkalosis

Question 15

What are the effects of chronic acidosis on the kidneys?

Answer 15

Chronic acidosis can lead to kidney damage and kidney stones

Question 16

What are the effects of chronic alkalosis on the kidneys?

Answer 16

Chronic alkalosis can lead to kidney damage and electrolyte imbalances

Question 17

What substances do the kidneys excrete to maintain acid-base balance?

Answer 17

• Hydrogen ions
• Ammonium ions

Question 18

How does the body compensate for respiratory acidosis?

Answer 18

The kidneys increase hydrogen ion excretion and bicarbonate reabsorption

Question 19

How does the body compensate for respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 19

The kidneys decrease hydrogen ion excretion and bicarbonate reabsorption

Question 20

How does the renal system work with the respiratory system to maintain acid-base balance?

Answer 20

The renal system excretes or reabsorbs hydrogen and bicarbonate ions to balance pH, while the respiratory system adjusts carbon dioxide levels

Question 21

What is carbonic anhydrase?

Answer 21

It’s an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion between carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons

Question 22

What role does carbonic anhydrase play in the urinary system?

Answer 22

It helps in the formation of bicarbonate ions in kidney cells, which are crucial for the body’s acid-base balance

Question 23

Where in the kidney cells is carbonic anhydrase located?

Answer 23

Primarily in the cytoplasm of the proximal tubule cells

Question 24

How does carbonic anhydrase contribute to acid-base balance in the body?

Answer 24

It accelerates the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, aiding in the regulation of pH

Question 25

What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in the formation of urine?

Answer 25

It contributes to the reabsorption of bicarbonate from the filtrate in the kidneys, affecting urine pH

Question 26

How does carbonic anhydrase affect bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidney?

Answer 26

It catalyzes the formation of bicarbonate from carbon dioxide and water, which is then reabsorbed into the bloodstream

Question 27

How does carbonic anhydrase work in the context of acidosis?

Answer 27

It increases the formation of bicarbonate ions which are then reabsorbed into the blood, helping to neutralize excess acid and increase blood pH

Question 28

How does carbonic anhydrase work in the context of alkalosis?

Answer 28

The reabsorption of bicarbonate ions is reduced, resulting in more bicarbonate ions excreted in the urine, helping to decrease blood pH

Question 29

What is the effect of inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the kidney?

Answer 29

It reduces bicarbonate reabsorption, which can lead to metabolic acidosis as more bicarbonate is lost in the urine

Question 30

How does carbonic anhydrase contribute to hydrogen ion excretion in the kidney?

Answer 30

The hydrogen ions produced by the enzyme in the kidney cells can be secreted into the urine, helping to decrease blood pH when it's too high