Does the medulla monitor blood pH

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of the medulla in monitoring blood pH, specifically whether it directly monitors blood pH or if it primarily involves receptors in the heart, such as those in the aorta and carotid bodies. The scope includes conceptual understanding and clarification of physiological mechanisms.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the medulla monitors blood pH directly or if it is solely the receptors in the heart that perform this function.
  • One participant expresses confusion due to conflicting information from various sources, noting that some suggest the medulla monitors tissue fluid pH (cerebrospinal fluid), while others imply it acts mainly as a coordinator or monitors blood pH.
  • Another participant proposes that the medulla indirectly monitors blood pH by monitoring CO2 levels, explaining that CO2 can cross the blood-brain barrier and is converted to H+ in the cerebrospinal fluid, which affects respiration and pH levels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the medulla directly monitors blood pH or if its role is more indirect through CO2 levels. Multiple competing views remain regarding the medulla's function and the sources of information about it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the sources referenced by participants, including potential ambiguities in definitions and the physiological mechanisms involved in pH monitoring.

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Does the medulla monitor blood pH or is it only the receptors in the heart (aorta / carotid bodies)?
 
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Is this a homework question?
 
bobze said:
Is this a homework question?

no its a me being confused question
you see I have read several different books / sources and they each imply different things
some books imply it only monitors tissue fluid pH (Cerebospinal fluid) some imply it just acts as a co-ordinator and some imply it monitors blood pH

which one is correct ?
 
jsmith613 said:
no its a me being confused question
you see I have read several different books / sources and they each imply different things
some books imply it only monitors tissue fluid pH (Cerebospinal fluid) some imply it just acts as a co-ordinator and some imply it monitors blood pH

which one is correct ?

It does so indirectly by monitoring CO2 levels. CO2 crosses the BBB freely, which is converted by carbonic anhydrase to H+. in the CSF.

So if there is a rise in CO2 (think ultimately acid here), this will cause the central chemoreceptors to stimulate respiration: leading to you blowing off the acid and decreasing pH.
 

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