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Related Concept Videos

Acid-Base Balance01:25

Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
pH Homeostasis01:31

pH Homeostasis

Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because it is critical for the optimal activity of enzymes involved in metabolic reactions. Enzymes are basically proteins, so, any significant change in pH can affect their structure and activity. In humans, pH is regulated using three primary mechanisms— chemical buffer systems, respiratory regulation, and renal regulation.
Respiratory Regulation of...
Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

Metabolic reactions in the body produce nonvolatile acids, such as sulfuric acid, which generate an acid load of approximately 1 mEq of H+ per kilogram of body weight daily. Excreting H+ in the urine is essential to balance this acid load.
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases02:58

Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases

The acid-base reaction class has been studied for quite some time. In 1680, Robert Boyle reported traits of acid solutions that included their ability to dissolve many substances, to change the colors of certain natural dyes, and to lose these traits after coming in contact with alkali (base) solutions. In the eighteenth century, it was recognized that acids have a sour taste, react with limestone to liberate a gaseous substance (now known to be CO2), and interact with alkalis to form neutral...
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2  and HCO3−  values are examined to...
Disorders of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Establishment of an Extracellular Acidic pH Culture System
09:41

Establishment of an Extracellular Acidic pH Culture System

Published on: November 19, 2017

Teaching acid/base physiology in the laboratory.

Ulla G Friis1, Ronni Plovsing, Klaus Hansen

  • 1Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. ufriis@health.sdu.dk

Advances in Physiology Education
|November 25, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a practical lab exercise to improve medical students' understanding of acid/base homeostasis. The exercise consistently generated clear data for diagnosing metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Acid/base homeostasis is a challenging topic for medical students.
  • Linking theory with practical application may enhance comprehension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a laboratory exercise for teaching acid/base physiology.
  • To provide clear, reproducible data illustrating acid/base balance concepts.
  • To aid in understanding metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis.

Main Methods:

  • A laboratory exercise was designed incorporating metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis.
  • Data were collected from 56 groups of medical students participating in the exercise.

Main Results:

  • The exercise yielded consistent and robust findings for both induced conditions.
  • All collected data aligned with the expected diagnoses of acid/base disorders.
  • Student groups successfully obtained data compatible with diagnoses, with variations in severity and compensation.

Conclusions:

  • The developed laboratory exercise effectively demonstrates acid/base physiology principles.
  • It provides a reliable method for students to grasp the diagnosis of acid/base disorders.
  • The exercise enhances practical understanding of metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis.