chloride shift

chloride shift

n.

The movement of chloride ions from the plasma into red blood cells as a result of the transfer of carbon dioxide from tissues to the plasma, a process that serves to maintain blood pH.

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chloride shift (klôr´īd),

n the exchange of a chloride ion for a bicarbonate ion across the enthrocyte membrane as part of the buffering system in the blood. It accounts for the greater chloride content of venous erythrocytes than arterial erythrocytes.