Which buffer in the body helps to regulate acid-base balance in the kidneys?

Bicarbonate serves as a crucial buffer in the body, particularly in the kidneys, to maintain acid-base balance. It is part of the bicarbonate buffer system, which plays a significant role in neutralizing excess acids in the blood and helping to regulate pH levels. When the body experiences an increase in acid production, bicarbonate can combine with free hydrogen ions to form carbonic acid, which can be converted to carbon dioxide and expelled through respiration. This process is essential for preventing acidosis and ensuring that the body maintains a stable internal environment.

In the kidneys, bicarbonate reabsorption and regeneration are vital functions that help maintain the blood's pH. The kidneys can increase the excretion of hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate, effectively adjusting the amount of bicarbonate in the blood according to the body's needs. This process is critical for long-term regulation of acid-base balance, complementing the immediate buffering actions in the blood and other tissues.

Although phosphate and protein buffers also play roles in acid-base balance, they do so to a lesser extent compared to bicarbonate in the kidneys. Carbonic acid is an intermediate in the bicarbonate system rather than a direct regulator of pH. Recognizing bicarbonate as the primary buffer in the kidneys