Blood is a blood fluid with specific functions.Give examples of the functions of blood in the animal body and explain how the animal body defends itself by against changes in H+ion concentration
Some examples of the functions of blood in the animal body include:
1. Transport: Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from different cells and organs of the body.
2. Regulation: Blood helps in maintaining homeostasis by regulating body temperature, pH levels, and water balance.
3. Defense: Blood plays a critical role in the immune system by carrying white blood cells, antibodies, and other immune molecules to protect against pathogens.
One of the ways the animal body defends itself against changes in H+ ion concentration, also known as pH, is through a buffering system. This system involves the presence of certain chemical substances, known as buffers, in the blood that can either accept or release hydrogen ions as needed to maintain a stable pH.
The main buffering system in the blood involves carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). When the concentration of H+ ions increases (causing the blood to become more acidic), bicarbonate ions can bind to the excess H+ ions, forming carbonic acid. Conversely, when the concentration of H+ ions decreases, carbonic acid dissociates, releasing bicarbonate ions and H+ ions.
Another defense mechanism against changes in H+ ion concentration is the respiratory system. The lungs can regulate pH by adjusting the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) expelled during breathing. When blood becomes more acidic, the respiratory system can increase the rate and depth of breathing, resulting in the elimination of more CO2. This expulsion of CO2 helps to decrease the H+ ion concentration in the blood, thereby restoring pH balance.
Additionally, the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining pH homeostasis. They can selectively reabsorb or excrete bicarbonate ions and H+ ions, depending on the body's needs. If blood acidifies, the kidneys can excrete H+ ions into urine while reabsorbing bicarbonate ions into the blood, helping to restore pH balance.
In summary, the animal body defends itself against changes in H+ ion concentration through buffering systems in the blood, respiratory regulation of CO2 levels, and the filtration and reabsorption processes in the kidneys. This ensures that the pH remains within a narrow range to support proper physiological functioning.