The Overall pH of Body Fluid

Fluids in the human body function to provide digestion, lubrication, nutrient and oxygen transportation, and protection. To perform these functions, the acid levels must be varied to match the bodily function. Overall levels of acidity or alkalinity are measured on a pH scale and must be carefully controlled in each body fluid.

The pH Scale

Acidity is defined as the ability of a substance to donate positively charged ions during a chemical reaction. A basic chemical, on the other hand is one that is able to accept the positively charged ions. How acidic or basic a chemical is can be measured on a pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14. The closer the number is to 0 the more acidic the substance is, and the higher the number, the more basic the compound. For example water has a pH of 7, which is neutral. The scale is logarithmic in function, meaning that each whole number increase or decrease changes the potency by 10 times. As such, when a pH changes from 7 to 6 the compound is 10 times more acidic.

Regulation Systems

What Are the Three Buffer Systems in Body Fluid?

Learn More

Biochemical regulation in the human body is done using bicarbonate, phosphate and protein systems. They all work by transferring positively charged hydrogen ions back and forth across cell membranes. Bicarbonate is the main buffer system in various body systems, including blood, stomach, kidneys and the lungs. The reaction that regulates pH level is catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. An increase in the activity of this enzyme leads to an increase in bicarbonate and a basic fluid. Conversely, a decrease leads to a more acidic fluid. Medications that block this enzyme can be used to alter the pH and fluid levels in the body and are routinely used for glaucoma and altitude sickness.

Body Fluids and pH Levels

Saliva, blood and spinal fluid all have a pH of about 7.4. This near neutral level prevents tissue damage that may be caused by levels at either end of the pH scale. Proton pumps that regulate the hydrogen ions in the stomach keep the pH between 1.5 and 3.5. This highly acidic fluid breaks down food and allows digestion to continue. Alterations in any of these systems can lead to serious medical conditions. For example, a pH imbalance in the mouth leads to tooth decay, and alterations in the blood can lead to breathing difficulties. When stomach acid gets beyond the protective sphincter in the esophagus, heart burn and a sour taste may be experienced. The burning sensation is caused by acidic damage to the tissue in the esophagus, and continued acidity may lead to irreversible changes and cancer.

Body Compartments and Fluid pH

Diseases Caused by Alkaline or Acid pH in the Body

Learn More

Body compartments also have mechanisms that regulate the pH level. In the vagina the pH level is kept slightly acidic at 4.3. This level keeps harmful bacteria and fungi from causing symptomatic infections, and any derivations from this averages can help diagnose various diseases such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. The resting pH of the human uterus ranges from 6.6 to 7.6 and is affected by the menstrual cycle. The abdominal and pelvic cavities contain the uterus, ovaries, small intestine and large intestine. These cavities have a pH of 7.4 with variations seen in some diseases such as gastric cancer.