What mechanism is primarily involved in regulating the pH level in the human body?

The primary mechanism involved in regulating the pH level in the human body is the use of buffers. Buffers are solutions that can resist changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added. In biological systems, buffers work by neutralizing excess acids or bases, thus maintaining a stable pH within the body’s fluids. For instance, the bicarbonate buffer system plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pH in a narrow range around 7.4, which is essential for proper cellular functions and metabolic processes.

While enzymes, hormones, and electrolytes play important roles in various physiological processes, they do not primarily serve the function of regulating pH. Enzymes can be affected by pH levels since they have optimal activity at specific pH ranges, but they do not actively regulate pH. Hormones can influence many metabolic processes, but they do not directly work to maintain pH balance. Electrolytes are essential for nerve and muscle function and also help to maintain overall body homeostasis, including pH, but their role is more about facilitating biological functions rather than directly regulating pH.