The Buffering System

An acid is a molecule that can

release hydrogen ions in solutions.
A base (alkali) is an ion or molecule
that accepts a hydrogen ion.

 A strong acid dissociates rapidly and

release large amounts of hydrogen.
A weak acid is less likely to
dissociate and release hydrogen ions
with less vigor.
A strong base rapidly reacts and
combines with hydrogen ion.
A weak base binds weakly with
hydrogen ion.

Acid-base balance regulatory

systems
There are three systems that
regulate the acid-base balance:
1. The chemical acid-base buffer
systems; react within seconds to
prevent the pH from changing too
much before kidneys can eliminate
the excess acid or base.
2. Respiratory center
3. The kidneys

The buffering systems

A buffer is a substance that can
reversibly bind with hydrogen ion.
Buffer+ H+
H Buffer

The bicarbonate buffer

system
The bicarbonate buffer system
consists of a water solution that
contains:
1. A weak acid H2CO3
2. A bicarbonate salt such as NaHCO3

CO2 + H2O
H2CO3
H2CO3
H+ HCO3NaHCO3
Na+ HCO3CO2+ H2O
H2CO3
H+ HCO3H+ HCO3H2CO3
CO2+H2O
NaOH+H2CO3
NaHCO3+H2O
CO2+H2O
H2CO3
HCO3+H

The Bicarbonate Buffer

System
When an acid is added, it is buffered by
the bicarbonate which is converted into
dissolved CO2. This decreases pH.
When a base is added, CO2 is converted
into HCO3. This increases pH.
The buffer system is most effective
where the pH is near pK.
The buffer system is effective 1 pH unit
either side of the pK.

Phosphate Buffer System

Phosphate buffer system consists of
H2PO4and HPO4
When a strong acid HCl is added
HCl+Na2HPO4
NaH2PO4+NaCl
When a strong base NaOH is added
NaOH+ NaH2PO4
Na2HPO4+H2O

Phosphate Buffer System

It is important in tubular fluids of the
kidneys:
1. Phosphate is concentrated in the
tubules which increase the
buffering power.
2. The tubular fluid has a pH lower
than ECF, bringing the operating
range closer to the pK of the
system.

Phosphate Buffer System

It is also important in ICF:
1. The concentration of phosphate is
higher than that of the ECF.
2. Its pH is closer to the pK of the
buffer system.

Protein Buffer System

They are important because they are found in high
concentration in the cells.
60-70% of the total chemical buffering is inside the
cells, most of which is by IC proteins.
The slowness of diffusion of H and HCO3 delays for
several hours the maximum ability of IC proteins to
buffer ECF acid-base abnormalities.
ICF pH changes in proportion to changes in pH of the
ECF as when CO2 diffuses rapidly through the cell
membranes.
The pK of this system is close to the ICF pH.
Example: hemoglobin