What is the primary buffer system in the ECF?
A) bicarbonate/carbonic acid
B) chloride/hydrochloric acid
C) haemoglobin
D) Phosphate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary buffer system in the extracellular fluid (ECF) is the bicarbonate/carbonic acid system which regulates the pH of the blood. It helps maintain a steady balance between the acid and base by removing excess acid or base from the body. Carbon dioxide is converted to H2CO3, which quickly dissociates to H+ and HCO3-. HCO3- binds with H+ and converts back to H2CO3. This cycle helps maintain the pH of the blood at 7.4. Other buffer systems like chloride/hydrochloric acid and phosphate are also present in the body but do not primarily regulate the pH of ECF. Haemoglobin acts as a buffer in red blood cells, but not in the ECF.

What Is the Primary Buffer System in the ECF