The "buffer value of the blood" refers to the ability of blood to maintain a stable pH level. The spelling of "buffer" is pronounced /ˈbʌfər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "u" sound is pronounced as "uh," and the "e" sound is a schwa sound /ə/. The word "value" is pronounced /ˈvæljuː/ with the stress on the second syllable. Phonetic transcription helps to understand the pronunciation of words and is commonly used in dictionaries and language learning resources.
The buffer value of the blood refers to its ability to maintain a stable pH level despite changes in acid or base concentration. It is a measure of the blood's capacity to resist changes in pH when an acid or base is added to the system. This buffering capacity is important for the proper functioning of bodily processes and maintaining overall homeostasis.
The buffer value of the blood is mainly attributed to a number of chemical substances present in the blood, known as buffers, which can act to absorb or release hydrogen ions (H+). These buffers include bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), hemoglobin, and various proteins. When an acid is added to the blood, these buffers can bind the excess hydrogen ions, preventing a drastic decrease in pH. On the other hand, if a base is added, the buffers can release hydrogen ions to counteract the increase in pH.
The buffer value of the blood is measured using the concept of buffering capacity, which is defined as the amount of acid or base that can be added to a system without causing a significant change in pH. It is expressed in terms of the millimoles of acid or base required to change the pH by a unit. A higher buffer value indicates a greater capacity to resist changes in pH and, therefore, a more stable blood pH.
Maintaining a proper buffer value of the blood is essential for the normal functioning of vital organs and metabolic processes. Deviation from the normal blood pH range can have adverse effects on enzymes, cell function, and overall bodily function. Disorders affecting the buffer value of the blood can lead to conditions such as acidosis or alkalosis, both of which can disrupt normal physiological processes.
The ability of the blood to care for acid-alkali fluctuations without disturbance of the hydrogen-ion concentration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.