I'm so confused please help when the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions, does the pH of the urine drop? and
when the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions, it lowers the pH of the blood also? I really appreciate any help you can give
Thank you
On the second question kidneys secrete H+ ions when the pH becomes too low in the blood so the blood won't become too alkaline.
Yes, when the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions into the urine, the pH of the urine drops. This is because hydrogen ions are acidic and contribute to a lower pH.
However, when the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions, it does not necessarily lower the pH of the blood. The kidneys play a major role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body, and they help regulate the pH of the blood within a narrow range.
If there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the blood, the kidneys can excrete more of them into the urine, which can help maintain the pH of the blood within the normal range. This process helps prevent the blood from becoming too acidic.
In summary, when the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions, the pH of the urine drops, but it does not automatically lead to a lower pH in the blood. The kidneys work to maintain the acid-base balance in the body by regulating the levels of hydrogen ions in the blood and urine.
Yes, when the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions into the urine, it causes the pH of the urine to drop (become more acidic). This is because hydrogen ions are positively charged and acidic in nature. The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body by filtering the blood, removing waste products, and regulating the pH of the urine.
Now, when it comes to the effect on the blood pH, the situation is a bit more complex. The kidneys, along with the lungs, are responsible for maintaining a stable blood pH. When the kidneys secrete hydrogen ions into the urine to maintain the acid-base balance, they are simultaneously reabsorbing bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) from the urine back into the blood. Bicarbonate ions act as a buffer to neutralize excess acids in the blood.
So, while the kidneys are secreting hydrogen ions into the urine, they are also regulating the excretion of bicarbonate ions to maintain the blood's pH within its normal range, slightly alkaline (around 7.35 to 7.45). This means that the net effect of kidney secretion of hydrogen ions on blood pH is relatively minimal.
However, certain conditions or diseases can affect the kidney's ability to regulate acid-base balance, leading to imbalances in blood pH. If the kidneys are unable to excrete enough hydrogen ions, the blood pH can become more acidic (a condition called acidosis). On the other hand, if the kidneys excrete too many hydrogen ions, the blood pH can become more alkaline (a condition called alkalosis). These imbalances can have adverse effects on various body functions.
To determine the specific impact on blood pH in a given situation, it is important to assess overall kidney function, the body's overall acid-base balance, and consider other factors that influence pH regulation in the body. Clinical tests and evaluations performed by medical professionals can help accurately assess and diagnose any potential imbalances.