When the kidneys have acidified the urine, the level of NaHCO₃ in the blood leaving the kidneys is much lower than the level of NaHCO₃ in the blood entering the kidneys.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kidneys help regulate the bicarbonate (NaHCO3) concentration in the blood; when they acidify the urine by excreting H+ ions, they simultaneously reabsorb bicarbonate or generate new bicarbonate ions, which can actually increase the level of bicarbonate in the blood leaving the kidneys compared to the level entering them.

When the Kidneys Have Acidified the Urine, the Level of NaHCO3

When the Kidneys Have Acidified the Urine, the Level of NaHCO₃