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

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Problem 4

Textbook Question

Write the missing names and molecular formulas for the following reactions between the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system and the bicarbonate reserve.
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a. _
b. _
c. ___

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system. This system helps maintain pH balance in the blood by using carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). The system operates through reversible reactions that involve carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), carbonic acid, and bicarbonate ions.

Step 2: Recall the chemical equilibrium involved in the buffer system. The primary reaction is:

{CO}_{2} + H_{2} O_{} \leftrightarrow H_{2} {CO}_{3} \leftrightarrow H_{} + {HCO}_{3}

. This reaction shows how carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which then dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions.

Step 3: Analyze the missing names and molecular formulas in the problem. Based on the buffer system, the missing components are likely related to CO₂, H₂CO₃, HCO₃⁻, and H⁺. For example, if the reaction involves the addition of CO₂, it will shift the equilibrium to produce more H₂CO₃.

Step 4: Match the missing names to their molecular formulas. For instance: (a) Carbon dioxide (CO₂), (b) Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), (c) Bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻). These are the key components of the buffer system.

Step 5: Verify the context of the bicarbonate reserve. The bicarbonate reserve refers to the stored bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) in the blood that help neutralize excess hydrogen ions (H⁺) to prevent acidosis. Ensure the reactions align with this physiological function.

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Key Concepts

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

Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system is a crucial physiological buffer system that helps maintain pH balance in the blood. It involves the equilibrium between carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), allowing for the regulation of acidity and alkalinity. This system plays a vital role in respiratory and metabolic processes, ensuring that pH levels remain within a narrow range essential for proper cellular function.

Bicarbonate Reserve

The bicarbonate reserve refers to the available bicarbonate ions in the blood that can neutralize excess acids, thus maintaining acid-base homeostasis. It acts as a buffer, preventing drastic changes in pH during metabolic activities or respiratory changes. The bicarbonate reserve is critical for the body's ability to respond to fluctuations in acidity, particularly during exercise or illness.

Chemical Reactions in Buffer Systems

Chemical reactions in buffer systems involve the reversible reactions between acids and bases that help stabilize pH levels. In the context of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate system, these reactions include the dissociation of carbonic acid into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, and vice versa. Understanding these reactions is essential for predicting how the buffer system will respond to changes in pH due to metabolic processes or external factors.

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Textbook Question

The drug Diamox is sometimes used to treat mountain sickness. Diamox inhibits the action of carbonic anhydrase in the proximal convoluted tubule. Polyuria (excessive urine production resulting in frequent urination) is a side effect associated with the medication. Why does polyuria occur?

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Textbook Question

David’s grandfather suffers from hypertension. His doctor tells him that part of his problem stems from renal arteriosclerosis. Why would this cause hypertension?

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Textbook Question

The most important factor affecting the pH of body tissues is the concentration of:

(a) Lactic acid

(b) Ketone bodies,

(d) Carbon dioxide

(e) Hydrochloric acid

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Textbook Question

While visiting a foreign country, Milly inadvertently drinks some water, even though she had been advised not to. She contracts an intestinal disease that causes severe diarrhea. How would you expect her condition to affect her blood pH, urine pH, and pattern of ventilation?

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Textbook Question

Changes in the pH of body fluids are compensated for by all of the following except:

(a) An increase in urine output

(b) The carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system

(d) Changes in the rate and depth of breathing

(e) Protein buffers

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Textbook Question

When the pH of body fluids begins to decrease, free amino acids and proteins will

(a) Release a hydrogen from the carboxyl group

(b) Release a hydrogen from the amino group