Explain maintaining the ph balance, Science

Assignment Help:

Explain maintaining the pH Balance

You must be aware of the term pH. PH we know provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (where 7 is neutral and greater than 7 is basic (alkaline) and less than 7 is acidic). It is essential that the body maintains an optimum pH of 7.4 and kidneys do play a major role in ensuring that. Let us see how. The kidneys can correct any imbalances by removing excess acid (hydrogen ion) or base (bicarbonate) in the urine and restoring the bicarbonate concentration in the blood to normal. The tubular cells produce a constant amount of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions because of their own cellular metabolism (production of carbon dioxide).

By a carbonic anhydrase reaction identical to the red blood cells, hydrogen ions get produced and secreted into the lumen of the nephron. As well, bicarbonate ions get produced and secreted into the blood. In the lumen of the nephron, filtered bicarbonate combines along with the secreted hydrogen ions to form carbon dioxide and water (carbonic anhydrase is as well present on the luminal surface of the kidney cells). If the kidney eliminates hydrogen ions or bicarbonate ions in the urine relies upon the amount of bicarbonate filtered in the glomerulus from the blood relative to the amount of hydrogen ions secreted by the kidney cells. While the amount of filtered bicarbonate is greater than the amount of secreted hydrogen ions, then bicarbonate is lost in the urine. Likewise, if the amount of secreted hydrogen ion is greater than the amount of filtered bicarbonate, then hydrogen ions will be lost in the urine (i.e. acidic urine).


Related Discussions:- Explain maintaining the ph balance

Scientific activities, describe the factors which decide the broad area of ...

describe the factors which decide the broad area of scientific activity

Twenty point programme and communication, The Twenty Point Programme and Co...

The Twenty Point Programme and Communication : In view of what we have discussed above, it may be useful to have a look at the Twenty Point Programme  (1986), which the Governme

Explain acute phase proteins, Explain Acute Phase Proteins Following an...

Explain Acute Phase Proteins Following any infection, there is a rise in concentration of several plasma proteins. The best known amongst them are C- reactive proteins (CRP) wh

Explain teh term cryogenic freezing, Cryogenic Freezing, as you would reali...

Cryogenic Freezing, as you would realize, is one of the fast, flexible and cheap method of freezing. In this, the liquefied gases are placed in direct contact with the foods. Food

Explain cholesterol - constituents of bile, Explain Cholesterol - Constitue...

Explain Cholesterol - Constituents of Bile Cholesterol: Cholesterol is an extremely important compound, a constituent of most cell membranes and the precursor of bile acids and

Solstice, what are some easy examples of a solstice

what are some easy examples of a solstice

Sketch the water surface profiles - critical depth lines, Sketch the water ...

Sketch the water surface profiles for the cases below. Label the normal and critical depth lines as well as all of the water surface profiles. In part (b), the conjugate de

Coping stress, Ask question #Minimum 100 words acceptedYou are caring for a...

Ask question #Minimum 100 words acceptedYou are caring for a 29-year-old woman who is married with two small children, ages 1 and 3 years, at home. She is recuperating from a left

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd