Home/
IAS/
Article

What are the three Major Buffer Systems of the Body and How do they Work?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

The three major Buffer Systems of the body are carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system, phosphate buffer system and renal tubular fluid and protein buffer system. The carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system is made of carbonic acid, the phosphate buffer system is important to buffer the intracellular and renal tubular fluid and the protein buffer system binds to hydroxyl and hydrogen ions.

Table of content

1. Three Major Buffer Systems of the Body
2. What are the three major Buffer Systems of the Body, and How do they Work?

Three Major Buffer Systems of the Body

A buffer is a type of solution that can withstand pH changes. The cause is the presence of basic or acidic elements. The two main types of buffer solutions are alkaline buffer solutions and acidic buffer solutions.

Carbonic Acid Bicarbonate Buffer System

Carbonic acid is the main component of the carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system.
They are weak acids in which the bicarbonate anion serves as their conjugate base.

Phosphate Buffer System

It is not required as a buffer for extracellular fluid.
It is crucial for preserving intracellular fluids and renal tubular fluid.
When the buffer system is given a powerful base, such as NaOH.
The H₂PO₄ buffers OH^– to form more HPO₄ + H₂O

Protein Buffer System

Every protein has the capacity to function as a buffer.
Amino acids make up proteins.
It includes carboxyl groups and negatively and positively charged amino groups.
These molecules’ charged areas can bind hydrogen and hydroxyl ions.
To serve as buffers.

Summary: