Bicarbonate Buffer Importance — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysiology - RespiratoryBicarbonate Buffer ImportanceFRCA Primary

The most important blood buffer system is:

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Correct answer: C — Bicarbonate

The bicarbonate buffer system accounts for ~75% of plasma buffering. Despite its pKa (6.1) being far from blood pH (7.4) it is effective because CO2 is regulated by ventilation (open system) / HCO3- is regulated by the kidneys / and both components are present in large quantities.

Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist