Acid–base homeostasis
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Acid–base homeostasis is the homeostatic regulation of the pH of the body's extracellular fluid (ECF).[1] The proper balance between the acids and bases (i.e. the pH) in the ECF is crucial for the normal physiology of the body—and for cellular metabolism.[1] The pH of the intracellular fluid and the extracellular fluid need to be maintained at a constant level.[2]
The three dimensional structures of many extracellular proteins, such as the plasma proteins and membrane proteins of the body's cells, are very sensitive to the extracellular pH.[3][4] Stringent mechanisms therefore exist to maintain the pH within very narrow limits. Outside the acceptable range of pH, proteins are denatured (i.e. their 3D structure is disrupted), causing enzymes and ion channels (among others) to malfunction.
An acid–base imbalance is known as acidemia when the pH is acidic, or alkalemia when the pH is alkaline.
- ^ a b Hamm LL, Nakhoul N, Hering-Smith KS (December 2015). "Acid-Base Homeostasis". Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 10 (12): 2232–2242. doi:10.2215/CJN.07400715. PMC 4670772. PMID 26597304.
- ^ Tortora GJ, Derrickson B (2012). Principles of anatomy & physiology. Derrickson, Bryan. (13th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. pp. 42–43. ISBN 9780470646083. OCLC 698163931.
- ^ Macefield G, Burke D (February 1991). "Paraesthesiae and tetany induced by voluntary hyperventilation. Increased excitability of human cutaneous and motor axons". Brain. 114 ( Pt 1B) (1): 527–540. doi:10.1093/brain/114.1.527. PMID 2004255.
- ^ Stryer L (1995). Biochemistry (4th ed.). New York: W.H. Freeman and Company. pp. 347, 348. ISBN 0-7167-2009-4.