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acid-base balance
a state of equilibrium between acidity and alkalinity of the body fluids. Most of the body's metabolic processes produce acids as their end products, but a somewhat alkaline body
fluid is required as a medium for vital cellular activities. Therefore chemical exchanges of hydrogen ions must take place
continuously in order to maintain a state of equilibrium. An optimal pH (hydrogen ion concentration) between 7.35 and 7.45 must be maintained, or the enzyme systems and other biochemical
and metabolic activities will not function normally. If the pH drops below 7.30, the potentially serious condition of acidosis exists. If the pH goes higher than 7.50, the patient is in a state of alkalosis.
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