Bicarbonate buffer system
Bicarbonate Buffer System
The Bicarbonate Buffer System (pronunciation: bi-car-bo-nate buf-fer sys-tem) is one of the pH regulatory mechanisms in the body. It is a system that helps to maintain the acid-base balance in the blood and other body fluids.
Etymology
The term "bicarbonate" is derived from the chemical compound hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-), which is a combination of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The term "buffer" in this context refers to a solution that resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added to it.
Function
The bicarbonate buffer system functions by reacting with strong acids and bases to control and maintain a stable pH environment in the body. It is primarily responsible for maintaining the pH of blood and other body fluids within the narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. This is achieved through a dynamic equilibrium between carbon dioxide (CO2), a by-product of cellular metabolism, and bicarbonate (HCO3-), which is regulated by the kidneys and lungs.
Related Terms
- Acid-Base Balance: The balance in the body between acid and base concentrations.
- pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
- Carbon Dioxide: A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration.
- Kidneys: A pair of organs in the body that filter the blood, removing waste products and excess substances.
- Lungs: The primary organs of the respiratory system in humans and many other animals.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bicarbonate buffer system
- Wikipedia's article - Bicarbonate buffer system
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