Renal bicarbonate handling

Renal bicarbonate handling involves the kidneys regulating the body's acid-base balance. When blood is too acidic, the kidneys reabsorb bicarbonate, a base that neutralizes excess acid, preventing blood from becoming overly acidic. Conversely, if the blood is too basic, the kidneys excrete more bicarbonate in urine to restore balance. This process primarily occurs in the kidney's nephrons through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion mechanisms, ensuring that blood pH remains tightly controlled around a normal level of about 7.4 for optimal bodily function.