alleryStart learning →How quickly do the chemical buffers in the blood adjust pH?
ASeveral hours
BOnly seconds
CSeveral minutes
DHours to days
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Only seconds
1. Three systems defend blood pH, and each works on its own timescale.
2. Chemical buffers in the blood act in seconds.
3. The respiratory tract raises pH within minutes by blowing off carbon dioxide.
4. The renal system excretes hydrogen ions and conserves bicarbonate, but takes hours to days.
5. Hours to days therefore names the slowest arm and not the chemical buffers.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 26 "Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance", section Buffer Systems in the Body_
Keep practising Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Browse all Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance questions for DHA Nursing Licensing Exam, or explore more Anatomy & Physiology topics.
Related questions
Tap the bigger quantityBuild the thirst responseAcidosis or alkalosis?Name the imbalanceSend each ion to its compartmentWhich laboratory pattern fits metabolic alkalosis once compensation is under way?Protein buffering accounts for what share of the buffering power of the blood?Excess potassium in the extracellular fluid has which effect on excitable membranes?