Question 3 assignment
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 of the functions of blood in the animal body include:
1. Transportation of oxygen and nutrients: Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and transports nutrients from the digestive system to the cells.
2. Removal of waste products: Blood picks up waste products such as carbon dioxide, urea, and other metabolic byproducts from the cells and transports them to the organs responsible for excretion, such as the lungs and kidneys.
3. Regulation of body temperature: Blood helps regulate body temperature by distributing heat throughout the body and removing excess heat through sweat production and dilation of blood vessels.
4. Immune system response: Blood contains white blood cells, antibodies, and other components of the immune system, which help defend the body against pathogens and foreign substances.
In terms of defending against changes in H+ ion concentration, the body maintains a delicate balance of pH levels, and blood plays a crucial role in this process. Different mechanisms work together to regulate blood pH, including the following:
1. Buffering system: The blood contains chemical buffers, such as bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and phosphate ions (HPO42-), which help stabilize pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions (H+). These buffers act as temporary storage for excess H+ ions, preventing sudden changes in blood pH.
2. Respiratory system: The respiratory system helps regulate blood pH by controlling the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) through the process of respiration. When blood becomes too acidic, the respiratory system increases the rate and depth of breathing, allowing more CO2 to be exhaled, which helps reduce H+ ion concentration.
3. Kidneys: The kidneys play a vital role in regulating pH by selectively excreting or reabsorbing hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions in the urine. When blood becomes too acidic, the kidneys increase the excretion of H+ ions and reabsorb bicarbonate ions, helping restore normal pH levels.
By maintaining a stable pH, blood helps ensure optimal functioning of enzymes and other biochemical reactions in the body. Any significant changes in H+ ion concentration can disrupt these processes, so the body has developed multiple defense mechanisms to counteract such changes.