alkaline reserve

alkaline reserve,

the additional amount of sodium bicarbonate that the body produces to maintain a normal arterial pH (7.35 to 7.45) when the carbon dioxide level increases as a result of hypoventilation. The alkaline reserve is maintained by the kidneys, which control the excretion of bicarbonate ions in urine.

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reserve [re-zerv´]

1. to hold back for future use.

2. a supply beyond that ordinarily used, for use in an emergency.

alkali reserve (alkaline reserve) see alkali reserve.

cardiac reserve an increase in cardiac output related to an increase in heart rate or stroke volume to meet body requirements.

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alkaline (al´klin),

adj having the reductions of an alkali. A pH level of 7.1 to 14 designates an alkaline solution. See also basic.

alkaline diet,

n See diet, alkaline.

alkaline phosphatase,

n an enzyme present in bone, the kidneys, the intestines, plasma, and teeth. It may be elevated in the serum in some diseases associated with disturbances in bone, liver, or other tissues.

alkaline reserve,

n See reserve, alkaline.

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reserve,

n something kept in store for future use.

reserve, alkali,

n See reserve, alkaline.

reserve, alkaline,

n (alkali reserve), 1. the amount of buffer compounds (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, proteins) in the blood capable of neutralizing acids; one of the buffer systems of the blood that can neutralize the acid valences formed in the body. It is made up of the base of weak acid salts and is usually measured by determining the bicarbonate concentration of the plasma.
n 2. the concentration of bicarbonate ions (HCO⁻₃) in the blood. These ions serve as a reserve in that they may be displaced by anions (e.g., Cl⁻, SO₄⁻², PO₄⁻³). Displacement of bicarbonate ions occurs mainly by means of the chloride shift. The role of the buffer system is such that a large influx of acid or base ions from either metabolic function or ingestion can be neutralized by the alkaline reserves from the mineral and protein salts in the blood and tissue fluids. A strong acid is transformed into a weak base. Consequently, the pH level of the blood fluctuates very little, and the tissue cells are constantly bathed in a continuously buffered solution.

reserve, cardiac,

n the reserve strength or pumping ability of the heart, which may be called on in an emergency.