BIO202 Anatomy and Physiology II

1. Blood Flow and Pressure Regulation
Simon Noeumoh
Colorado State University - Global Campus
BIO200 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
Dr Burress, Landrus
27th, January 2024

2. Introduction
A balance between acidity and alkalinity is essential for the function of our body. For our blood
to function correctly, it needs the right balance of acidic and basic (alkaline) compounds. Too
much acid in the blood is known as acidosis, while too much alkalinity is known as alkalosis.
There are four types of acid-based disorders common to humans: metabolic acidosis, metabolic
alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis. The level of each acid base
homeostasis and challenges would be seen below.

3. Acid-base balance overview
❖Acid-base balance, also called pH balance, involves regulating the concentration of hydrogen ions
in body fluid so that the arterial blood pH remains slightly alkaline, between 7.35 and 7.45 in
general.
❖As with other electrolytes, hydrogen ion concentrations must be regulated according to input to
output; however, some unique constraints are associated with acid-base regulation.
❖The concentration of hydrogen ions in the body is affected by the input of acid and base, kidney
output of acid and base, respiratory rate, and chemical buffers (Mckinley et al., 2021).

4. Imbalance pH (High/Low) CO2 (High/Low) H+
(High/Low)
HCO3-
(High/Low)
Compensation system
Respiratory Acidosis Low High High Normal/High Renal (kidneys)
Respiratory Alkalosis High Low Low Normal/low Renal (kidneys)
Metabolic Acidosis Low Normal/low High Low Respiratory (Lungs)
Metabolic Alkalosis High Normal/High Low High Respiratory (Lungs)
Table illustrating the four states of acid base imbalance and
compensation mechanism

5. Acid-base balance pH value explanation
❖In respiratory acidosis, pH is low, CO2 is high, H+ is high, and HCO3- is normal or high. The
compensation occurs via the renal system.
❖ In respiratory alkalosis, pH is high, CO2 is low, H+ is low, and HCO3- is normal or low. The
compensation occurs via the renal system.
❖ In metabolic acidosis, pH is low, CO2 is normal or low, H+ is high, and HCO3- is low. The
compensation occurs via the respiratory system.
❖ In metabolic alkalosis, pH is high, CO2 is normal or high, H+ is low, and HCO3- is high. The
compensation occurs via the respiratory system.
❖ This table provides a quick reference for understanding the different states of acid-base imbalance
and the compensatory mechanisms involved.

6. Respiratory acidosis
❖Respiratory acidosis lowers blood pH due to increased acids.
❖Blood pH balance is crucial for proper bodily function.
❖The pH scale measures acid and base levels, ranging from 0 to 14.
❖Normal blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45.
❖Respiratory acidosis occurs when lungs can't remove enough CO2.
❖Sudden respiratory acidosis can be life-threatening.
❖If experiencing difficulty breathing or choking, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.

7. Respiratory alkalosis
• High pH (above 7.45)
• Low CO2 levels (hypocapnia)
• Low H+ concentration
• Normal or slightly decreased HCO3 levels
• Respiratory system compensates by reducing respiratory rate and depth to retain CO2

8. Metabolic acidosis
❖Metabolic acidosis: Excess acids in body fluids.
❖Bicarbonate: A base, derived from carbon dioxide.
❖Produced as waste during energy conversion from food.
❖Low pH (below 7.35)
❖Normal or slightly decreased CO2 levels
❖High H+ concentration
❖Low HCO3 levels

9. Metabolic alkalosis
❖High pH (above 7.45)
❖Normal or slightly elevated CO2 levels
❖Low H+ concentration
❖High HCO3 levels
❖Renal compensation involves decreased H+ excretion and decreased HCO3 reabsorption.

10. work cited
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 17). Respiratory Acidosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24834-respiratory-acidosis.
Brinkman, J. E., & Sharma, S. (2022). Physiology, respiratory alkalosis. Nih.gov; StatPearls
Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482117/.
Mckinley, M. P., Valerie Dean O'loughlin, & Theresa Stouter Bidle. (2021). Anatomy & physiology :
an integrative approach (4th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Llc.