ACID-BASE BALANCE

Acid-base homeostasis in man is

accomplished by the maintenance of
systemic arterial pH within a narrow
range despite acid & alkaline loads from
the daily intake & degradation of foods
Body pH is protected by:
1.
2.
3.

Buffers
Pulmonary regulation of PaCO2
Renal reabsorption & excretion of HCO3 &
excretion of acid

Acid-base disturbances

1.

Two types of acidbase disorders:

Metabolic

2.

Characterized by
primary disturbance
in the concentration of
HCO3 in the plasma.

Respiratory

Primarily alters
PaCO2

1.
2.

Clinical acid-base
disturbance:
Simple
Mixed or
combined