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Explain how chronic alkalosis could lead to demineralization of bone.

User Andee
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it comes down to electrons & chemical bonding of atoms

demineralization means mineral atoms are being attracted by something else & leaving the bone

ph levels means a chemical is an acid base

pH less than 7 is acidic over 7 is a base.

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Alkalosis and Demineralization.

Chronic alkalosis is a condition characterized by a persistent increase in the pH level of blood (means more base) , which means the blood becomes more basic than normal. This condition can lead to the demineralization of bone due to the effect it has on the body's regulation of calcium.

The body's calcium balance is tightly regulated by several hormones, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin. PTH, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream. However, chronic alkalosis can interfere with this process.

In chronic alkalosis, there is a decrease in the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can lead to a compensatory increase in the excretion of bicarbonate ions by the kidneys. Bicarbonate ions are alkaline, and their loss from the body can help to correct the pH imbalance. However, bicarbonate ions also play a crucial role in buffering the acidity of the extracellular fluid that surrounds bone tissue. When the extracellular fluid becomes too alkaline, it can stimulate the release of calcium from bone tissue to help restore the acid-base balance. Over time, this can lead to a loss of calcium and other minerals from bone tissue, resulting in demineralization and an increased risk of fractures.

In summary, chronic alkalosis can disrupt the body's regulation of calcium, leading to an increased release of calcium from bone tissue. This can ultimately result in the demineralization of bone and an increased risk of fractures.

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User Rahul Banerjee
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Answer:

Chronic alkalosis is a condition characterized by an increase in the pH of the blood above the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. It can occur due to various factors, including respiratory disorders, kidney diseases, and prolonged vomiting. Alkalosis can affect the body's ability to regulate calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for the growth and maintenance of bone tissue.

The pH of blood plays a critical role in the regulation of bone metabolism. Alkalosis can increase the pH of blood, which, in turn, can lead to an increase in the excretion of calcium through the urine. This increase in calcium excretion can lead to a decrease in the level of calcium in the blood, which is a condition known as hypocalcemia. The body attempts to compensate for hypocalcemia by increasing the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood.

PTH increases calcium levels in the blood by stimulating bone resorption, which is the breakdown of bone tissue to release calcium into the bloodstream. The calcium released from bone tissue helps to restore normal blood calcium levels. However, prolonged bone resorption can lead to a decrease in bone density and strength, which can result in demineralization of bone tissue.

In chronic alkalosis, the increase in PTH secretion can lead to increased bone resorption and decreased bone density, which can result in demineralization of bone tissue. This can lead to a condition called osteopenia, which is a precursor to osteoporosis, a disease characterized by weak and brittle bones that are at a high risk of fracture.

In summary, chronic alkalosis can lead to demineralization of bone tissue by disrupting the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body and increasing bone resorption through the actions of PTH.

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User Mehdi Ibrahim
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