Final answer:
Buffers are the compounds that help maintain a consistent pH range in our body fluids by absorbing excess hydrogen and hydroxide ions. They are part of a homeostatic mechanism essential for proper physiological function, with the bicarbonate system being a primary example.
Step-by-step explanation:
The category of compounds that help our body fluids maintain a consistent pH range is buffers. Buffers, which are solutions of weak acids and their conjugate bases, work by absorbing excess hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. This prevents significant fluctuations in the pH levels of body fluids, thus enabling the human body to maintain its necessary acid-base balance. For instance, the bicarbonate system in the human body absorbs extra hydrogen or hydroxide ions to maintain a pH of approximately 7.4, which is crucial for proper physiological functions.
Buffers are also part of larger homeostatic mechanisms involving breathing and the excretion of chemicals through urine. These processes, along with the internal release of buffering chemicals into body fluids, are essential for maintaining the acid-base balance. Notably, other proteins such as albumin and hemoglobin also contribute to the buffering capacity of the body, which ensures that our cells function optimally within the precise pH range required for life.