Metabolic Acidosis

Definition

Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body due to increased production of acids or decreased ability to excrete them. This imbalance can disrupt cellular homeostasis, as it affects the body's pH levels and overall metabolic processes. Understanding this condition is crucial because buffer systems play a key role in maintaining normal pH levels, preventing the harmful effects of acidosis on cellular functions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Metabolic acidosis can occur due to conditions like kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and lactic acidosis, leading to a drop in blood pH.
2. The normal blood pH range is about 7.35 to 7.45; a pH lower than 7.35 indicates acidosis.
3. Compensatory mechanisms, such as increased respiratory rate, are activated to help restore normal pH levels when metabolic acidosis occurs.
4. Chronic metabolic acidosis can lead to bone demineralization and muscle wasting as the body attempts to buffer the excess acid.
5. Diagnosis typically involves measuring arterial blood gases (ABGs) and serum bicarbonate levels to assess the extent of acid-base imbalance.

Review Questions

• How do buffer systems respond to metabolic acidosis, and what role do they play in restoring homeostasis?
  • Buffer systems respond to metabolic acidosis by neutralizing excess hydrogen ions, which helps stabilize pH levels. For instance, the bicarbonate buffer system can react with acids to form carbonic acid, which then dissociates into water and carbon dioxide, allowing for its exhalation through respiration. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis as it prevents the drastic changes in pH that can disrupt metabolic processes.
• Discuss the physiological consequences of untreated metabolic acidosis on cellular function and overall metabolism.
  • Untreated metabolic acidosis can have severe physiological consequences, including impaired enzyme activity and disrupted metabolic pathways within cells. The low pH can denature proteins and affect their functionality, leading to decreased energy production and altered cellular signaling. Additionally, it can compromise the function of organs like the kidneys and lungs, exacerbating the acid-base imbalance and potentially leading to life-threatening complications if not managed properly.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory compensation mechanisms in correcting metabolic acidosis and their limitations.
  • Respiratory compensation mechanisms can be effective in correcting metabolic acidosis by increasing ventilation rates to expel carbon dioxide, thus reducing acidity in the blood. However, this mechanism has limitations; if the underlying cause of acidosis persists or if respiratory function is impaired, compensatory efforts may not be sufficient. Moreover, excessive respiratory compensation can lead to respiratory alkalosis if not properly balanced. Long-term management of metabolic acidosis often requires addressing the root causes rather than relying solely on compensatory responses.

Related terms

Buffer Systems: Buffer systems are solutions that resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added, helping to maintain a stable environment for cellular processes.

HCO3- (Bicarbonate): Bicarbonate is a key component of the bicarbonate buffer system, which helps regulate pH by neutralizing excess acids in the body.

Respiratory Compensation: Respiratory compensation refers to the body's response to acidosis by increasing breathing rate to expel more carbon dioxide, thereby helping to raise blood pH.