Buffer
Buffer (medicine)
Buffer (pronounced: /ˈbʌfər/) is a substance in the body that helps maintain a stable pH level in the blood and other bodily fluids. The term originates from the Middle English word "buffere", which means "to cushion or lessen the impact".
Buffers work by neutralizing excess acids or bases in the body. They are crucial for maintaining the body's acid-base balance, which is essential for normal cellular function.
Types of Buffers
There are several types of buffers in the human body, including:
- Bicarbonate buffer system: This is the most important buffer system in the human body. It involves the balance between bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3).
- Phosphate buffer system: This buffer system operates in the cytosol of cells. It involves the balance between dihydrogen phosphate ions (H2PO4-) and hydrogen phosphate ions (HPO4 2-).
- Protein buffer system: Proteins have both acidic and basic groups, so they can act as both a weak acid and a weak base. This makes them an effective buffer system.
Role in Medicine
Buffers play a crucial role in medicine, particularly in the treatment of conditions that involve an imbalance in the body's pH level. For example, in the treatment of acidosis and alkalosis, buffers are used to help restore the body's normal pH balance.
In addition, buffers are also used in various medical procedures and tests. For example, they are used in dialysis to help maintain the correct pH level in the dialysis fluid. They are also used in laboratory tests to control the pH of solutions and ensure accurate results.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Buffer
- Wikipedia's article - Buffer
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