The pH of blood in humans is typically slightly basic, with a normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. This means that blood is slightly alkaline, and the body works hard to maintain this delicate balance. A doctor can evaluate a person's acid-base balance by measuring the pH and levels of carbon dioxide (an acid) and bicarbonate (a base) in the blood.
This specific pH is crucial for several bodily functions, including:
- Oxygenation: The pH of blood is ideal for the efficient binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in red blood cells, allowing for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
- Enzyme function: Many enzymes in the body work optimally within a narrow pH range, which is maintained by the blood.
- Cell function: Proper cell function relies on a stable pH environment, which blood helps regulate.
