PH

Definition

pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 alkaline.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Optimal blood pH for human health is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45.
2. A diet high in acidic foods can negatively impact pulmonary function by exacerbating respiratory acidosis.
3. Alkaline diets may help improve lung function by reducing inflammation and mucus production.
4. Pulmonary wellness can be influenced by the body's ability to maintain proper pH balance through nutrition.
5. Imbalances in blood pH levels can lead to conditions such as respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, which affect breathing.

Review Questions

• What is the normal pH range for human blood?
• How can an acidic diet impact pulmonary function?
• What are the potential effects of an alkaline diet on lung health?

Related terms

Acidosis: A condition characterized by excessive acidity in the body fluids or tissues.

Alkalosis: A condition resulting from an excess of base (alkali) in the body fluids.

Buffer System: Mechanisms that help maintain a stable pH in bodily fluids, critical for proper physiological functions.