Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Normal pH of Blood
Normal pH of blood is:
- 7.4 — Correct Answer
- 7.2
- 7.8
- 7.0
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 7.4
The normal pH of blood is 7.4 (slightly alkaline). The body maintains this value within a very narrow range (7.35–7.45) because even small deviations can disrupt enzyme activity and cellular functions.
Blood pH Comparisons
- Arterial blood pH: 7.4
- Venous blood pH: 7.36 (slightly more acidic than arterial blood due to CO₂ transport)
- Blood cells are more acidic than plasma.
Acid-Base Disorders
- Acidosis: pH < 7.35 — can be metabolic (e.g., grain overload in ruminants causing lactic acidosis) or respiratory (CO₂ retention).
- Alkalosis: pH > 7.45 — can be metabolic (e.g., abomasal displacement causing HCl loss) or respiratory (hyperventilation).
pH Buffers in Blood
- Bicarbonate-carbonic acid system (most important extracellular buffer)
- Hemoglobin (important intracellular buffer in RBCs)
- Plasma proteins
- Phosphate buffer system
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
