How to translate text using browser tools
29 October 2021 An Easy Approach to Understanding Acid-Base Balance in a Blood Buffer System
Jonathan M. Hughes, Victor H. Vilchiz, Cathy Lee
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Understanding acid-base disorders using weak-acid concepts learned in general chemistry class is challenging for pre-nursing and pre-professional biology students enrolled in anatomy/physiology and biochemistry classes. We utilized a graphic seesaw model of carbonic acid-bicarbonate equilibrium using the Henderson-Hasselbalch (H-H) equation of a weak acid. We then used real-world clinical case studies for students to identify acid-base disorders and the appropriate compensatory responses of the lungs and kidneys. Students developed a working knowledge of how the bicarbonate blood buffer system maintains a physiological pH of 7.4 using a “seesaw” with metabolic [HCO3 ] on one side, and respiratory PCO2 on the other at a ratio of 20:1 in the H-H equation. When the dysfunction of either the kidneys or lungs causes the seesaw to tip, homeostasis pH is disrupted, causing an acid-base disorder classified as metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. The functioning organ can “level the seesaw” by compensating for the dysfunction of the opposite organ to regain homeostasis. Unlike traditional ways of explaining acid-base disorders, this graphic seesaw method is a simple and easy way to achieve understanding.

Jonathan M. Hughes, Victor H. Vilchiz, and Cathy Lee "An Easy Approach to Understanding Acid-Base Balance in a Blood Buffer System," The American Biology Teacher 83(8), 526-531, (29 October 2021). https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2021.83.8.526
Published: 29 October 2021
JOURNAL ARTICLE
6 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Acidosis
alkalosis
bicarbonate
blood buffer
compensation
Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
homeostasis
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top