Final answer:
The normal arterial blood pH range is 7.35 to 7.45. Acidosis occurs when the pH is below this range, while alkalosis occurs when it is above. Both conditions can have serious health effects and are regulated by homeostatic mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal range of arterial blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45, which is crucial for the body's biochemical processes. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic and can lead to symptoms like headache, confusion, lethargy, and fatigue. Conversely, a pH above 7.45 suggests alkalosis, in which the blood is too alkaline, causing cognitive impairment, tingling, muscle twitching, and nausea. Both states can be detrimental, as a continuous blood pH below 7.0 or above 7.8 can be fatal. The body's enzymes, which catalyze biochemical reactions, are sensitive to pH levels and can become less effective or denatured when the pH is imbalanced. Homeostatic mechanisms, including buffers and breathing, normally regulate blood pH within its narrow, healthy range.