What term describes the buildup of excess base (lack of acids) in the body fluids?

The term that describes the buildup of excess base, or a deficiency of acids, in the body fluids is alkalosis. This condition occurs when the blood pH rises above the normal range, which is typically maintained between 7.35 and 7.45. Alkalosis can result from various factors, such as hyperventilation, excessive vomiting, or specific medical disorders that lead to an increase in bicarbonate ions.

Understanding alkalosis is important because it can significantly affect a person's physiology, leading to symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and symptoms of hypocalcemia. This condition can also influence the balance of electrolytes and the body's acid-base balance overall.

In contrast, acidosis refers to an excess of acid in the body fluids, which is the opposite of alkalosis. Dehydration involves a deficit of water in the body, and while it can affect acid-base balance, it does not specifically refer to base accumulation. Electrolyte imbalance is a broader term that encompasses various disruptions in the normal concentrations of electrolytes in the body, but it is not solely focused on the acid-base status like alkalosis is.