Sodium Bicarbonate Buffer System (Bicarbonate Buffer System)

The sodium bicarbonate buffer system, also known as the bicarbonate buffer system, is a crucial acid-base homeostatic mechanism in the body. It maintains pH balance in blood and other tissues by regulating the concentrations of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This buffering system is essential for proper metabolic function and physiological stability. The core chemical reaction is CO2 + H2O <=> H2CO3 <=> HCO3- + H+. The system resists changes in pH when acids or bases are introduced. Regulation is primarily via the respiratory system (CO2) and renal system (bicarbonate).

Other names

Bicarbonate Buffer SystemCO2/Bicarbonate BufferCarbonic Acid/Bicarbonate Buffer

The system resists changes in pH when acids or bases are introduced. If excess hydrogen ions are present, they combine with bicarbonate to form carbonic acid, which can then be converted to CO2 and exhaled. If there are too few hydrogen ions, carbonic acid dissociates to release more hydrogen ions.