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Homeostasis : Acidity And Alkalinity Of The Human Body

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Homeostasis is a state of balance between individual components and systems. The human body requires homeostasis to maintain life. The body will degrade and die if not maintained. Part of this is physiological process is maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance. Most importantly, the acidity and alkalinity of the body must be regulated. The integrity of cells, tissue sand metabolic processes depend on the body’s pH to be in a narrow range to function properly. The pH level is defined by the concentration of hydrogen ions, the measure od the body’s acidity. When the hydrogen ion concentration drives the pH out of range, a buffering system that involves the respiratory system, and kidneys are activated to return the ph balance to normal. The respitory system manages immediate needs and the kidneys handle the process over a period of time. The process is known as compensation. The end result is the return of carbonic and bicarbonate levels to normal is correction. It can be observed that the body requires a pH level measuring 7.35 to 7.45 on a pH scale of 0-14. The measure containing the greatest quantity of H+ ions and therefore the most acidic, is “0”. The measure contaioning the least concentration of H+ ions, being the most alkaline is “14”. The nutral point being about “7” on the scale. The body becomes too akaline when the pH level moves above 7.45. When the pH moves below 7.35 the body is too acidic. The acid base balance is disturbed by disease. Deth

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