Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 24

Textbook Question

The most recent advice from medical and nutritional experts is to monitor one’s intake of salt so that it does not exceed the amount needed to maintain a constant ECF volume. What effect does excessive salt ingestion have on blood pressure?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the relationship between salt intake and extracellular fluid (ECF) volume: Excessive salt ingestion increases the concentration of sodium ions (Na⁺) in the extracellular fluid. Sodium is osmotically active, meaning it attracts water, leading to an increase in ECF volume.

Recognize the connection between ECF volume and blood pressure: An increase in ECF volume raises blood volume, which in turn increases venous return to the heart. This leads to an increase in cardiac output, as per the Frank-Starling mechanism.

Apply the concept of blood pressure regulation: Blood pressure is determined by cardiac output and peripheral resistance. An increase in cardiac output due to higher blood volume will elevate blood pressure.

Consider the role of the kidneys: The kidneys play a critical role in regulating blood pressure by excreting excess sodium and water. However, if salt intake consistently exceeds the kidneys' ability to excrete it, blood pressure may remain elevated over time.

Relate to potential health consequences: Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) due to excessive salt intake can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF) Volume

Extracellular fluid volume refers to the amount of fluid outside the cells in the body, which includes interstitial fluid and plasma. Maintaining a constant ECF volume is crucial for normal physiological functions, as it influences blood pressure and overall fluid balance. An increase in ECF volume can lead to hypertension, as the heart must work harder to pump the increased volume of blood.

Sodium's Role in Blood Pressure Regulation

Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure by influencing fluid balance in the body. When sodium intake is high, it can cause the body to retain more water, leading to an increase in blood volume. This increased blood volume can elevate blood pressure, making it essential to monitor sodium intake to prevent hypertension and related cardiovascular issues.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Excessive salt intake is a significant risk factor for developing hypertension, as it contributes to increased blood volume and vascular resistance, necessitating lifestyle modifications to manage blood pressure effectively.

Watch next

Master Acids and Bases with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

After falling into an abandoned stone quarry filled with water and nearly drowning, a young boy is rescued. In assessing his condition, rescuers find that his body fluids have high PCO₂ and lactate levels and low PO₂ levels. Identify the underlying problem and recommend the necessary treatment to restore homeostatic conditions.

views

Textbook Question

Refer to the diagnostic flowchart in Spotlight Figure 27–18. Use information from the blood test results in the accompanying table to categorize the suspected acid-base disorders of the patients represented in the table.

<IMAGE>

views

Textbook Question

How do respiratory and renal mechanisms support the buffer systems?

views

Textbook Question

Differentiate between respiratory compensation and renal compensation.

views

Multiple Choice

Normal arterial blood pH is __________.

1322

views