pH of Body fluids Part No-07 #bodyfluids #alliedhealthsciences #medicalbiochemistry #microbiology

BODY FLUIDS AND THEIR NORMAL pH RANGES 1. Blood Blood is the most important body fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. It plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and acid–base balance. Normal pH range: 7.35 – 7.45 Nature: Slightly alkaline Even a small change in blood pH can be life-threatening. 2. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nourishment to the central nervous system. Normal pH range: 7.31 – 7.34 Nature: Slightly acidic Helps maintain a stable environment for neural activity. 3. Saliva Saliva is secreted by salivary glands and helps in digestion, lubrication, and oral hygiene. Normal pH range: 6.2 – 7.6 Nature: Slightly acidic to neutral pH varies with diet, oral health, and salivary flow rate. 4. Gastric Juice Gastric juice is secreted by the stomach and contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Normal pH range: 1.5 – 3.5 Nature: Strongly acidic Helps in digestion of proteins and destroys harmful microorganisms. 5. Pancreatic Juice Pancreatic juice neutralizes stomach acid and aids digestion in the small intestine. Normal pH range: 7.8 – 8.4 Nature: Strongly alkaline Rich in bicarbonate ions. 6. Bile Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It helps in fat digestion and absorption. Normal pH range: 7.6 – 8.8 Nature: Alkaline Neutralizes acidic chyme from the stomach. 7. Urine Urine is an excretory fluid produced by the kidneys and helps in maintaining acid–base balance. Normal pH range: 4.5 – 8.0 Nature: Acidic to alkaline pH varies with diet, metabolism, and health status. 8. Sweat Sweat is produced by sweat glands and helps regulate body temperature. Normal pH range: 4.5 – 6.5 Nature: Acidic Provides protection against bacterial growth on the skin. 9. Tears Tears lubricate and protect the eyes from infection and foreign particles. Normal pH range: 7.0 – 7.4 Nature: Neutral to slightly alkaline Maintains eye comfort and clarity. 10. Semen Semen provides a suitable environment for sperm survival and motility. Normal pH range: 7.2 – 8.0 Nature: Slightly alkaline Neutralizes the acidic vaginal environment. 11. Vaginal Secretions Vaginal secretions help maintain genital health and prevent infections. Normal pH range: 3.8 – 4.5 Nature: Acidic Maintained by normal bacterial flora (Lactobacilli). 12. Breast Milk Breast milk provides nutrition and immunity to infants. Normal pH range: 6.8 – 7.5 Nature: Slightly acidic Supports infant digestion and immunity.