pH and buffers
The pH is power of hydrogen ions. The pH scale, ranges from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic or alkaline). A pH of 7.0, in the middle of this scale, is neutral. Blood is normally slightly basic, with a normal pH range of about 7.35 to 7.45. Usually the body maintains the pH of blood close to 7.40. Blood acidity increases when the # Level of acidic compounds in the body rises (through increased intake or production, or decreased elimination) # Level of basic (alkaline) compounds in the body falls (through decreased intake or production, or increased elimination). Blood alkalinity increases when the level of acid in the body decreases or when the level of base increases. The body has developed 3 lines of defense to regulate the body's acid-base balance and maintain blood pH. These are (1) Blood buffer system -- acts within seconds, (2) Respiratory mechanism or system -- acts within 1 to 3 minutes, (3) Renal mechanism system -- requires hours to days. Blood buffers : A buf