Chot 14 Flashcards
(649 cards)
What does H+ represent?
Hydrogen Ions
What role does hydrogen play in the body?
Hydrogen is an acid
What does normal metabolism generate continuously?
H+
Why is regulation of H+ crucial?
To keep Ht levels in a range that supports life
What mechanisms are in place to maintain acid/base balance?
Psychological mechanisms
Where do hydrogen ions in the body come from?
From fixed (non-lactate) metabolism that produces massive amounts of CO2
What happens to CO2 in the body?
It is hydrolyzed into carbonic acid
What is the chemical reaction for the formation of carbonic acid?
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3
What is the only volatile acid of physiologic importance?
Carbonic acid
Fill in the blank: Hydrogen ions formed in the body come from _______.
fixed (non-lactate) metabolism
True or False: Carbonic acid is not important for physiological processes.
False
What process generates massive amounts of CO2?
Aerobic metabolism
What is isohydric buffering?
The hydrolysis of CO2 into carbonic acid
What is the primary function of hydrogen ion regulation in body fluids?
To maintain the blood’s pH constant.
Where does CO2 diffuse into the blood?
At the tissue level.
What role do red blood cells (RBC) play in hydrogen ion regulation?
A reaction occurs mostly in RBC.
What enzyme catalyzes the reaction involving CO2 and H2O?
Carbonic anhydrase.
What is the chemical reaction catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase?
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3-.
What is isohydric buffering?
A mechanism that prevents changes in pH due to H+ production.
How does hemoglobin (Hb) contribute to buffering H+?
Hb immediately buffers the H+ produced.
What happens to H+ when blood reaches the lungs?
Hb releases H+ to form CO2, which is then exhaled.
What are the two major ways the body regulates blood pH?
- Isohydric buffering
- Ventilation
True or False: Most H+ produced causes a significant change in pH.
False.
Fill in the blank: The reaction of CO2 and H2O is catalyzed by _______.
carbonic anhydrase.