In essence, this equation states that the pH of the blood depends on the interrelationship between a metabolic component (HCO3–) representing base, and a respiratory component (PCO2) representing acid. It should be emphasized that it is the ratio of the two components rather than the abs...
The general equation for a buffer system is shown above (HA↔H++A−), with A− representing any anion, and HA representing the undissociated acid. If an acid stronger than HA is added to a solution containing this system, the buffer equation shifts to the left. Hydrogen ions are ess...