Final answer:
Buffers maintain the pH balance by absorbing excess hydrogen or hydroxide ions, preventing significant changes in pH levels. The bicarbonate buffer system in the human body is an example of how this homeostasis is managed. Acid-base disorders can result without effective buffering.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of a buffer is to limit the change in pH with changing hydrogen ion concentrations. Buffers work to stabilize the pH of a solution by absorbing extra hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH-) to prevent drastic increases or decreases in pH levels. An example of a buffer system in the human body is the bicarbonate system, which can absorb excess H+ to maintain the delicate balance necessary for proper physiological functioning.
Buffers are critical in the human body for maintaining the acid-base homeostasis, which is largely managed by the bicarbonate buffer, as well as the respiratory and renal systems. These systems help to expel CO2 and H+ ions, respectively, aiding in the maintenance of a stable internal pH environment. Without effective buffering, the pH of body fluids can shift out of the narrow range required for the survival of cells and can lead to disorders of acid-base balance.