acid-base balance
The doctor explains the importance of maintaining a healthy acid-base balance.
Noun: * Physiological equilibrium: The state of normal equilibrium between acids and bases (alkalis) in the bodily fluids, particularly the blood. Maintaining this balance is crucial for normal cellular function and metabolism. In a healthy state, this results in blood that is slightly alkaline.
The term "acid-base balance" is used exclusively in medical, physiological, and biochemical contexts to describe a critical homeostatic condition of the body. * It is often discussed in relation to being maintained, disturbed, regulated, or restored. * It is a non-count noun; it is not typically used in the plural form.
- The kidneys and lungs work together to maintain the body's acid-base balance.
- Severe vomiting can disrupt the acid-base balance, leading to a condition called alkalosis.
- The doctor ordered blood tests to check the patient's acid-base balance.
- Acid-base balance is essential for the proper functioning of enzymes.
- Clinical assessment: The term is central to interpreting arterial blood gas (ABG) results, which measure parameters like pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate to assess this balance.
- The ABG analysis provides a detailed picture of the patient's acid-base balance.
- In discussion of disorders: It is used when describing acidosis (excess acid) or alkalosis (excess base).
- Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening disturbance of the acid-base balance.
- Acid-base equilibrium: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably.
- pH balance: A more general and common term that refers to the same concept, emphasizing the measurement of acidity or alkalinity on the pH scale.
- Homeostasis: The broader physiological concept of maintaining internal stability, of which acid-base balance is a key part.
- Acid-base equilibrium
- pH balance (in a physiological context)
- Acid-base status: Refers to the current measured state of the balance.
- We need to monitor the patient's acid-base status closely.
- Buffer system: A chemical system that resists changes in pH, crucial for maintaining acid-base balance.
- The bicarbonate buffer system is vital for acid-base balance in the blood.
The doctor explains the importance of maintaining a healthy acid-base balance.
- (physiology) the normal equilibrium between acids and alkalis in the body
- with a normal acid-base balance in the body the blood is slightly alkaline