endocrine and metabolic disorders
Acid Base Regulation
Introduction
Metabolic processes in the human body continually produce acid and, to a lesser degree, base. Hydrogen ion (H+) is especially reactive; it can attach to negatively charged proteins and, in high concentrations, alter their overall charge, configuration, and function. To maintain cellular function, the body has elaborate mechanisms that maintain blood H+concentration within a narrow range—typically 37 to 43 nEq/L (37 to 43 nmol/L) with a pH of 7.43 to 7.37, where pH=−log [H+]. Ideally, H+is 40 nEq/L (40 nmol/L) and pH=7.40. Disturbances of these mechanisms can have serious clinical consequences. Acid-base equilibrium is closely tied to Water and Sodium Balance and 