Normal pH - Acid Base Balance

1. pH of body fluids needs to be maintained within a normal range

   1. pH = -log [H+]

   2. range: 0 <>

   3. range [H+]: 1.0 eq H+ -- 10^-14 eq H+

2. Urine pH can range from

   1. acidic pH = 4.5

   2. basic pH = 8.0

3. pH of blood must be maintained within a much smaller range

   1. pH compatible with life: 6.8 – 7.8

   2. 160 nEq H+ - 16 nEq H+

   3. normal physiological range: 7.35 – 7.45

4. Disorders

   1. acidosis

      1. when plasma pH <>

      2. [H+] > 40

   2. alkalosis

      1. plasma pH > 7.40

      2. [H+] <>

   3. metabolic disorder

      1. primarily due to change in [bicarb]

         1. norm = 24

         2. range 23-25

   4. respiratory disorder

      1. primarily due to change in P_CO2

         1. norm 40 cm H₂O

         2. range 35-45

Category: Biochemistry Notes