Moof's Medical Biochemistry Video Course: http://moof-university.thinkific.com/courses/medical-biochemistry-for-usmle-step-1-exam The carbonic acid (H2CO3) / bicarbonate (HCO3-) buffer system is discussed in this video. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) combine to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) via the reaction catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase. The carbonic acid dissociates into a proton (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). Applying Le Chatlier's Principle to the chemical reaction, we relate amount of carbon dioxide to proton concentration and thus pH. Higher than normal amounts of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood lead to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration and a decrease in pH of the blood, called acidosis, as the blood is too acidic. Lower than normal amounts of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood lead to a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in pH of the blood, called alkalosis, as the blood is too basic. Normal physiological pH of the blood is 7.4, and even very slight changes in pH can be dangerous. The reaction is also related to the situations of hyperventilation and hypoventilation. When someone hyperventilates, it means they are exhaling too much. Specifically, they're breathing out too much carbon dioxide. Thus, the concentration/pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood is lower than it normally would be. This causes a decrease in the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood and an increase in pH (alkalosis). This is why individuals who are hyperventilating are often told to breathe into and out of a paper bag. Why? This allows the individual to get much of the carbon dioxide they just let out in their breath back into their lungs and back into their blood. When someone hypoventilates, it means they are not exhaling enough. Specifically, they're not breathing out enough carbon dioxide. Thus, the concentration/pressure of carbon dioxide in their blood is higher than it normally would be. This causes an increase in the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood and a decrease in pH (acidosis). Individuals who are hypoventilating are encouraged to breathe out more/faster so as to release carbon dioxide from their blood and body so that their blood's pH can return to normal levels. For a suggested viewing order of the videos, information on tutoring, personalized video solutions, and an opportunity to support Moof University financially, visit MoofUniversity.com, and follow Moof University on the different social media platforms. Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=MoofUniversity SUPPORT MOOF UNIVERSITY: http://www.moofuniversity.com/support-moof/ BUY A T-SHIRT https://shop.spreadshirt.com/moofuniversity/ INFORMATION ABOUT TUTORING AND PERSONALIZED VIDEO SOLUTIONS: http://www.moofuniversity.com/tutoring/ INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/moofuniversity/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moof-University/1554858934727545 TWITTER: https://twitter.com/moofuniversity

• published: 17 Sep 2013
• views: 132852