buffers

Last reviewed 01/2018

Buffers are compounds which are able to bind or release hydrogen ions such that they dampen swings in the pH of a solution.

In the body the chemical buffers include:

  • extracellular fluids - proteins, bicarbonate, inorganic phosphates
  • haemoglobin
  • intracellular fluids - proteins, organic phosphates, apatite crystals