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HCO3, or bicarbonate, is an important component of the body's pH buffering system. It helps maintain acid-base balance in the blood and other bodily fluids.
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pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with 7 being neutral and lower values more acidic.
Acidosis: A condition where there is too much acid in the body fluids, often reflected by low blood pH and low HCO3 levels.
Alkalosis: A condition where there is too much base in the body fluids, often indicated by high blood pH and elevated HCO3 levels.