bicarbonate

views updated May 11 2018

bicarbonate A salt of carbonic acid, or the dissociated ion HCO-3. The extracellular fluids of the body (blood plasma and tissue fluid) contain 20–25 mmol/litre of bicarbonate (about a quarter of the concentration of chloride). Regulation of its concentration (by the kidneys) relative to that of carbon dioxide (altered by changes in breathing) is crucial to the function of maintaining acid–base homeostasis. Ingestion of bicarbonate is a common remedy for ‘indigestion’, because it neutralizes stomach acid.

Stuart Judge


See acid–base homeostasis; body fluids.
The Oxford Companion to the Body COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT

bicarbonate

views updated May 11 2018

bi·car·bo·nate / bīˈkärbəˌnāt; -nit/ • n. Chem. a salt containing the anion HCO3−. ∎  (also bicarbonate of soda) sodium bicarbonate.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

bicarbonate

views updated Jun 11 2018

bicarbonate (by-kar-bŏ-nit) n. a salt containing the ion HCO3−. b. of soda see sodium bicarbonate.

A Dictionary of Nursing

bicarbonate

views updated Jun 08 2018

bicarbonate See hydrogencarbonate.

A Dictionary of Biology

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