Metabolic acidosis

Definition

Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the body produces excessive acid or the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This imbalance disrupts the body's acid-base homeostasis, affecting various bodily functions.

Related terms

Acid: Base Balance - The mechanism that keeps bodily fluids close to their neutral pH level, ensuring proper physiological function.

pH:

A measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a solution is, with lower values being more acidic and higher values being more alkaline.

Kidney Function: The process by which kidneys filter blood, removing waste products and excess substances, including acids, thus playing a critical role in maintaining acid-base balance