Abstract
This chapter presents the details of physiological aspects of control mechanisms of blood pH. The pH of blood, and hence extracellular fluid generally, must be maintained at a reasonably constant level. In general, mammals maintain the pH of the internal environment between 6.9 and 7.8. If, when hydrogen carbonate concentrations are changed, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide can be adjusted appropriately, then no change in pH should occur. Thus, addition of acid to the blood causes the loss of hydrogen carbonate. Changes in blood pH occur as a result of the ingestion of acid or alkali, as a result of metabolic disturbance, or as a result of a failure to match respiratory excretion of carbon dioxide to its metabolic production. The pH of the blood is controlled by adjusting the ratio of hydrogen carbonate concentration to that of carbon dioxide and carbonic acid. Changes in pH are apparent as changes in this ratio—control of pH consists of the restoration of the ratio by respiratory and renal adjustments. However, the first stage of control is by the purely physicochemical process of buffering, a process that permits the presence and transport of acid or alkali with relatively little pH change.
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