Final answer:
In acidosis, the pH of the blood is less than 7.35. The pH scale determines acidity and alkalinity with a neutral point at 7. Homeostatic mechanisms maintain the blood's normal pH range with the help of buffers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cases of acidosis, the pH of the blood is less than 7.35. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with anything below 7 being acidic and above 7 being alkaline. The normal arterial blood pH is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45. If the blood pH falls below this range, an individual is considered to be in a state of acidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis, for example, decreases the normal blood pH from 7.35-7.45 to a lower value, which can lead to several health issues. It is important to understand that homeostatic control mechanisms, including buffers and the bicarbonate system, play a key role in stabilizing the pH levels in the human body.