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Physiology & Science
Bicarbonate
Also known as: HCO₃⁻
German: Bikarbonat, Hydrogencarbonat
The main buffer that keeps blood pH stable. It is linked to carbonic acid and CO₂, so when CO₂ falls during over-breathing, the balance shifts and pH rises. The kidneys adjust bicarbonate over hours to days, while breathing changes pH within seconds to minutes.