Buffer Systems
As humans, we constantly need to regulate our bodily pH. This regulation process is called homeostasis, and is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland by a buffering system. A buffer solution is used to maintain the pH at a safe acidity. “A buffer solution is an aqueous solution consisting of a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid” (Boundless, 2010)
Equation 1 – Generic Buffer Equation
HA (aq) + H2O (l) --> H3O+(aq) + A-(aq)
Note that equation 1 is reversible, and all equations that are reversible have to be at a state of.equilibrium. This brings us to the Le Chatelier’s principle, of “Restoring Balance”
Le Chatelier’s principle states that if a.constraint (such as a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration of a reactant) is.applied to a system at equilibrium, the equilibrium.will shift so as to.counteract the effect of the constraint. This is an extremely important function to keep all features at equilibrium, and in this case, optimum pH. …show more content…
However, the most important buffer for maintaining acid–base balance in the blood is the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer.
The normal pH of all tissues and fluids of the body, excluding.the stomach, is slightly alkaline, however, the most critical pH is that of the pH of blood. All other fluids will fluctuate.to keep the blood a strict pH between 7.35 and
As humans, we constantly need to regulate our bodily pH. This regulation process is called homeostasis, and is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland by a buffering system. A buffer solution is used to maintain the pH at a safe acidity. “A buffer solution is an aqueous solution consisting of a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid” (Boundless, 2010)
Equation 1 – Generic Buffer Equation
HA (aq) + H2O (l) --> H3O+(aq) + A-(aq)
Note that equation 1 is reversible, and all equations that are reversible have to be at a state of.equilibrium. This brings us to the Le Chatelier’s principle, of “Restoring Balance”
Le Chatelier’s principle states that if a.constraint (such as a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration of a reactant) is.applied to a system at equilibrium, the equilibrium.will shift so as to.counteract the effect of the constraint. This is an extremely important function to keep all features at equilibrium, and in this case, optimum pH. …show more content…
However, the most important buffer for maintaining acid–base balance in the blood is the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer.
The normal pH of all tissues and fluids of the body, excluding.the stomach, is slightly alkaline, however, the most critical pH is that of the pH of blood. All other fluids will fluctuate.to keep the blood a strict pH between 7.35 and