Professional Documents
Culture Documents
where:
• VA = Alveolar ventilation
(if VCO2 has units of mls/min at STP and VA has units of l/min at 37C and at
atmospheric pressure.)
Second Equation: Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
Relationship: These changes in arterial pCO2 cause changes in pH (as defined in the
Henderson-Hasselbalch equation):
pH = pKa + log { [HCO3] / (0.03 x pCO2) }
The key point is that these 2 equations can be used to calculate the effect on pH of
a given change in ventilation provided of course the other variables in the equations (eg
body's CO2 production) are known.
Control System
The control system for respiratory regulation of acid-base balance can be
considered using the model of a simple servo control system. The components of such a
simple model are a controlled variable which is monitored by a sensor, a central
integrator which interprets the information from the sensor and an effector mechanism
which can alter the controlled variable. The servo control means that the system works in
such a way as to attempt to keep the controlled variable constant or at a particular set-
point. This means that a negative feedback system is in operation and the elements of the
system are connected in a loop.
Control systems in the body are generally much more complex than this simple
model but it is still a very useful exercise to at first attempt such an analysis.
Control System
for Respiratory
Regulation of
Acid-base
Balance