Blood is a fluid with specific function. Give examples of the function of blood in the animal body and Explain how the animal body defends itself by against changes in H+ ion concentration
Function of blood in the animal body:
1. Transportation: Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and carries carbon dioxide, a waste product, back to the lungs for exhalation. It also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
2. Regulation: Blood helps regulate body temperature by transporting heat from the core of the body to the skin where it is dissipated. It also helps maintain pH balance by buffering acids and bases and regulating the concentration of ions in the body.
3. Immune response: Blood contains white blood cells that are part of the immune system, which help to defend the body against pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, by producing antibodies and destroying foreign substances.
4. Clotting: Blood contains platelets, which are responsible for clot formation to prevent excessive bleeding when there is an injury. This function helps in wound healing and prevents blood loss.
How the animal body defends itself against changes in H+ ion concentration:
The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the body is regulated within a narrow range to maintain physiological pH. When the H+ ion concentration increases, the body follows several defense mechanisms to restore the balance:
1. Buffering system: The blood contains several buffering systems that can combine with excess H+ ions and convert them into less harmful forms. The bicarbonate buffer system is the most important in blood, where carbonic acid (H2CO3) acts as a weak acid and bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) acts as a weak base. By converting excess H+ ions into H2CO3, the buffering system helps maintain a relatively constant pH.
2. Kidneys: The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating H+ ion concentration by excreting excess H+ ions into urine. They also reabsorb bicarbonate ions from urine, helping to maintain the balance of H+ ions in the body.
3. Respiratory system: The respiratory system can influence H+ ion concentration through the control of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Increased CO2 can lead to an increase in H+ ions, causing acidity. By regulating the rate and depth of breathing, the respiratory system can exhale excess carbon dioxide, thus decreasing the concentration of H+ ions.
Overall, these mechanisms work together to maintain the pH homeostasis in the body, defending against changes in H+ ion concentration and ensuring proper physiological functioning.