The pH of human blood is normally around-a)1.5-6.5b)5.5 - 6.5c)7.5 - ...
Correct answer: Option C) 7.5 - 8.0
The pH Scale
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline or basic. The pH of a solution is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) present.
The pH of Human Blood
The pH of human blood is tightly regulated to maintain homeostasis and ensure optimal physiological functioning. The normal pH range for arterial blood is slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. This is slightly basic, but still within the neutral range.
Regulation of Blood pH
The body has several mechanisms in place to regulate blood pH and keep it within the normal range. These mechanisms include:
- Bicarbonate Buffer System: The bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) acts as a major buffer in the blood, helping to maintain a stable pH. It can accept or donate hydrogen ions as needed, thus preventing drastic changes in pH.
- Respiratory System: The lungs play a vital role in regulating blood pH by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body. When CO2 levels increase, the body compensates by increasing respiration rate, which helps eliminate excess CO2 and reduce acidity.
- Renal System: The kidneys also play a significant role in maintaining blood pH. They regulate the reabsorption and excretion of bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions to help maintain the appropriate acid-base balance.
Importance of Blood pH
Maintaining the appropriate pH is crucial for the proper functioning of various physiological processes in the body. The enzymes responsible for carrying out essential metabolic reactions have an optimal pH range in which they function most efficiently. Deviations from the normal pH range can lead to metabolic disorders and disrupt the normal functioning of the body.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option C) 7.5 - 8.0. The pH of human blood is normally slightly alkaline, with a range of 7.35 to 7.45. This range is tightly regulated by various mechanisms in the body to ensure optimal physiological functioning.
The pH of human blood is normally around-a)1.5-6.5b)5.5 - 6.5c)7.5 - ...
Acid-Base Balance and Blood pH. Acidity and alkalinity are expressed on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic, or alkaline). A pH of 7.0, in the middle of this scale, is neutral. Blood is normally slightly basic, alkaline, with a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.