blood is a blood fluid with specific functions. give example of the functions of blood in the animal body and explain how the animal body defends itself by against changes in H+ ion concentration.
The functions of blood in the animal body are diverse and essential for its proper functioning. Some examples of the functions of blood include:
1. Transport: Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells and tissues and takes carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs for elimination. It also transports nutrients, hormones, heat, and waste products within the body.
2. Regulation: Blood helps in maintaining body temperature by absorbing and distributing heat throughout the body. It also helps in regulating the pH level and electrolyte balance in the body.
3. Protection: Blood plays a crucial role in the defense against pathogens and foreign substances. It contains white blood cells that defend against infections and diseases. Blood also contains antibodies that neutralize toxins and protect against harmful agents.
The human body maintains a precise control over the concentration of H+ ions in order to avoid complications and maintain optimal functioning. This is accomplished through various mechanisms:
1. Buffering: Blood contains chemical substances called buffers that can accept or donate H+ ions to maintain the pH balance. Common buffers include carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system, which helps regulate the pH in the blood by converting excess H+ ions into carbon dioxide, while converting excess bicarbonate ions into free H+ ions.
2. Respiratory regulation: The respiratory system plays a crucial role in regulating H+ ion concentration. When H+ ion concentration increases, the respiratory centers in the brain signal an increase in the rate and depth of breathing to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (which combines with water to form carbonic acid) and thus decrease the concentration of H+ ions.
3. Renal regulation: The kidneys maintain the acid-base balance by selectively excreting or reabsorbing H+ ions and bicarbonate ions. When there is an excess of H+ ions, the kidneys excrete more H+ ions and reabsorb more bicarbonate ions, which helps to decrease H+ ion concentration and maintain pH balance.
Overall, the human body employs a combination of buffering, respiratory regulation, and renal regulation to defend itself against changes in H+ ion concentration and maintain the pH balance necessary for proper bodily functions.