What is the constant value used in the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for blood pH?

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Multiple Choice

What is the constant value used in the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation for blood pH?

The Henderson-Hasselbalch approach for blood relies on the pKa of the buffering system rather than the actual pH. In blood, the main buffer is carbonic acid and its conjugate base bicarbonate. The constant that anchors the equation is the pKa of carbonic acid for this buffer system. Using this pKa in the equation pH = pKa + log([HCO3-]/[CO2]) shows how the pH depends on the balance between bicarbonate and dissolved CO2. At physiological temperature, this pKa value serves as the reference point, while the actual pH we measure (around the normal blood range) results from the ratio of bicarbonate to CO2, modulated by respiration and metabolism.

The Henderson-Hasselbalch approach for blood relies on the pKa of the buffering system rather than the actual pH. In blood, the main buffer is carbonic acid and its conjugate base bicarbonate. The constant that anchors the equation is the pKa of carbonic acid for this buffer system. Using this pKa in the equation pH = pKa + log([HCO3-]/[CO2]) shows how the pH depends on the balance between bicarbonate and dissolved CO2. At physiological temperature, this pKa value serves as the reference point, while the actual pH we measure (around the normal blood range) results from the ratio of bicarbonate to CO2, modulated by respiration and metabolism.

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