Learning Objectives

• Define an acid and a base
• Define metabolic and respiratory acids (give examples)
• Describe the four main acid‐base disturbances
• Describe the mechanisms used to combat changes in pH
• Buffers, respiratory regulation and renal mechanisms
• Interpretation of minor acid‐base disturbances

Acids & Bases

• what is an acid?
• what is a base?
• what is alkalemia vs acidemia?

Acid Base Physiology

• what is a respiratory (volatile) acid?
• what are metabolic (fixed) acids?
• what are the 3 levels of defences to an acid base imbalance?

Chemical Buffers

• when do buffers bind vs release $\small\ce{H^+}$?
• what are 3 main buffering systems?
• what is the significance of the isohydric principle?