1. EARTH QUAKES AND pH
Explain how the blood buffering system works. What organs are involved? How do these maintain the pH balance of blood?
Why is baking soda essential for rescuing earth quake victims?

2. Explain how the blood buffering system works.
The bicarbonate buffer system in involves the balance of carbonic acid  (H2CO3),  bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to maintain pH in the blood around Carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which rapidly dissociates to form a bicarbonate ion (HCO3− ) and a hydrogen ion (H+).
Any excess acid or base introduced to the system is neutralized by shifting the equation to left or right.

3. Two organs that help maintain blood pH are KIDNEYS and LUNGS.
What organs are involved? How do these maintain the pH balance of blood?
Two organs that help maintain blood pH are KIDNEYS and LUNGS.
If blood pH is too low (ACIDOSIS)
respiration increases to remove more CO2 kidneys excrete more H+/bicarbonate ions
If blood pH is too high (alkalosis)
respiration decreases to remove less CO kidneys excrete less H+/bicarbonate ions

4. Why is baking soda essential for rescuing earth quake victims
Why is baking soda essential for rescuing earth quake victims? -Myoblobin is protein that carries oxygen in muscles. -Normally small amounts of myoglobin released into blood are bound to proteins making it too big to fit in kidney tubules.
-Crushing injuries release large amounts of myoglobin which block kidney tubules - If kidneys don’t filter blood , it becomes more acidic. - Bicarbonate ions from baking soda (NaHCO3) combine with H+ to neutralize acidity.