preview

Explain The Homeostasis Of Acid-Base Balance

Decent Essays

The Homeostasis of Acid-Base Balance

Student’s name
Institution affiliations

The Homeostasis of Acid-Base Balance
An acid can be described as a substance that releases hydrogen ions in detectable amounts. They can react with several metals and have a sour taste. Hydrogen ions (protons) and anions are always produced whenever an acid is dissolved in water. The acidity of any solution is determined by the concentration of protons in it. Some examples of acids produced inside the human body include hydrochloric acid (HCL), acetic acid and carbonic acid. Acids that dissociate completely and irreversibly in water are known as strong acids. Weak acids dissociate incompletely and reversibly.
On the other hand, bases have a slippery feel, a bitter taste and are also known as proton acceptors. Bases take up hydrogen ions in detectable amounts. When dissolved in water, the bases dissociate. The main …show more content…

The normal blood pH varies between 7.35 and 7.45. Kidneys, lungs and chemical systems known as buffers are responsible for the regulation of the homeostasis of acid-base balance. In case of a rise in blood pH, the buffers release hydrogen ions, and bind the hydrogen ions when the pH drops. The carbonic acid-bicarbonate system is one of the major buffer systems. Carbonic acid is known to dissociate reversibly, releasing protons and bicarbonate ions. When there is a rise or drop in blood pH, ions are added to or removed from the blood. A rise in the blood pH would mean that there is additional of a strong base in the blood, making it more alkaline as more carbonic acid is forced to dissociate On the other hand, a drop in the blood’s pH level means that there is more acid in the blood. The bicarbonate ions here begin to bind with protons. It can be noted from both cases that in the absence of the buffering system, changes in blood pH would be much

Get Access