MEDN2001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Stroke Volume, Blood Vessel, Sodium Bicarbonate
Document Summary
Carbonic acid buffer system is the main buffer system used in the body. We have a bicarbonate reserve, of which is why the kidney reabsorbs and produces bicarbonate - this allows the system to be "pulled" one way so it"s not quite in equilibrium. Not all that important, just mentioning ph in the body. Diseases of the lungs, kidneys and cardiovascular system and intoxication (poisoning) are common causes of acid base disturbances. Sometimes buffers are not enough to maintain ph. Ion transporters at the plasma membrane closely regulate ph inside the cell. Can re-establish equilibrium this way - also used to correct cell volume. Change in cytoplasmic ph - can pump protons out of cell using the sodium-proton exchanger. Unable to expel enough co2 - caused acidosis - common in obstructive lung diseases. Someone who is hyperventilating - expels too much co2 - alkalosis - hence why needs paper bag. Extra acid produced by binding to hco3 is being removed.
