This is an assignment for APA 111. Kindly asking for references for 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.
References:
1. Tortora, G.J., & Derrickson, B.H. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley.
2. Marieb, E.N., & hn, K. (2019). Human Anatomy & Physiology. Pearson.
Functions of Blood in the Animal Body:
1. Transportation: Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs to be eliminated. It also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products to their respective destinations.
2. Regulation: Blood helps regulate body temperature by absorbing and distributing heat throughout the body. It also plays a role in regulating pH levels, electrolyte balance, and fluid volume.
3. Protection: Blood carries immune cells and antibodies, which defend against pathogens by identifying and destroying them. It also helps in clotting, preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged.
Defending Against Changes in H+ Ion Concentration:
The body maintains a delicate balance of pH levels, and blood plays a crucial role in this regulation. To defend against changes in H+ ion concentration (acid-base balance), the animal body employs several mechanisms:
1. Buffer Systems: Blood contains chemical buffers, such as carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system, and protein buffer system. Buffers can absorb or release H+ ions, minimizing changes in pH levels and stabilizing blood acidity or alkalinity.
2. Respiratory Compensation: The respiratory system can adjust the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood by altering the breathing rate and depth. When blood becomes too acidic (increased H+ ions), the respiratory system increases breathing, expelling more CO2 to decrease H+ ion concentration and restore pH balance.
3. Renal Compensation: The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pH by excreting excess acids or bases through urine. If blood becomes too acidic, the kidneys release more H+ ions into the urine or reabsorb more bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) from the urine, thereby reducing blood acidity.
By employing these mechanisms, the animal body can maintain the pH homeostasis necessary for proper physiological functioning.
Note: Please consult your instructor or syllabus for specific reference format requirements for your APA 111 assignment.