Skip to main content
Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 26, Problem 7

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
(c) The phosphate buffer system
(d) Changes in the rate and depth of breathing
(e) Protein buffers

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of pH regulation in body fluids. The body maintains pH within a narrow range to ensure proper cellular function, using various buffer systems and physiological mechanisms.
Step 2: Review each option to identify which mechanisms actively compensate for pH changes: (b) The carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system, (c) The phosphate buffer system, (d) Changes in the rate and depth of breathing, and (e) Protein buffers all directly help regulate pH by neutralizing acids or bases or by controlling CO2 levels.
Step 3: Analyze option (a) An increase in urine output. While the kidneys regulate acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate, simply increasing urine output without selective ion exchange does not directly compensate for pH changes.
Step 4: Conclude that the exception is the mechanism that does not specifically adjust pH through chemical buffering or respiratory control, which is (a) An increase in urine output.
Step 5: Summarize that effective pH compensation involves chemical buffers, respiratory adjustments, and selective renal ion handling, not just increased urine volume.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Buffer Systems in the Body

Buffer systems help maintain the pH balance of body fluids by neutralizing excess acids or bases. The main buffer systems include the carbonic acid–bicarbonate system, phosphate buffer system, and protein buffers, each working to stabilize pH within narrow limits essential for normal cellular function.
Recommended video:
05:38
Buffers

Respiratory Compensation

The respiratory system regulates blood pH by adjusting the rate and depth of breathing. By increasing or decreasing CO2 exhalation, it influences the carbonic acid concentration in the blood, thus helping to correct pH imbalances quickly.
Recommended video:
1:38
Secondary Lymphoid Organs: The Spleen Example 1

Renal Compensation and Urine Output

The kidneys maintain acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate. While they adjust urine composition to compensate for pH changes, an increase in urine output alone does not directly compensate for pH shifts; rather, it is the selective excretion or retention of ions that matters.
Recommended video:
4:58
Overview of Renal Physiology
Related Practice
Textbook Question

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

(a) Lactic acid

(b) Ketone bodies, 

(c) Metabolic acids

(d) Carbon dioxide

(e) Hydrochloric acid

104
views
Textbook Question

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when:

(a) Bicarbonate ion concentrations become elevated

(b) A severe bicarbonate loss occurs

(c) The kidneys fail to excrete hydrogen ions

(d) Ketone bodies are generated in abnormally large quantities

123
views
Textbook Question

Identify four hormones that mediate major physiological adjustments affecting fluid and electrolyte balance. What are the primary effects of each hormone?

57
views
Textbook Question

Write the missing names and molecular formulas for the following reactions between the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system and the bicarbonate reserve.

a. ___

b. ___

c. ___

43
views
Textbook Question

Respiratory acidosis develops when the blood pH is:

(a) Increased due to a decreased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

(b) Decreased due to an increased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

(c) Increased due to an increased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

(d) Decreased due to a decreased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

115
views
Textbook Question

Calcium homeostasis primarily reflects:

(a) A balance between absorption in the gut and excretion by the kidneys

(b) Careful regulation of the blood calcium level by the kidneys

(c) An interplay between parathyroid hormone and aldosterone, 

(d) An interplay among reserves in the bones, the rate of absorption, and the rate of excretion

(e) Hormonal control of calcium reserves in the bones

136
views