Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, including definitions and important physiological processes.

Epithelial

A type of tissue composed of one or more layers of cells that form the surface of the body and organs.

Alveolus

A tiny air sac in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that is bound with oxygen.

Anemic hypoxia

A condition where oxygen levels in the blood are normal, but the blood has a reduced capacity to carry oxygen.

Hypoxemia

Abnormally low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Pulmonary shunting

The passage of blood from the right heart to the left heart without being oxygenated in the lungs.

CO2 transport

The methods by which carbon dioxide is carried in the blood, including dissolved in plasma and as bicarbonate.

Capillary

A small blood vessel where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues.

PaO2

The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.

SaO2

Oxygen saturation, indicating the percentage of hemoglobin bound with oxygen.

Carbamino compound

A form of carbon dioxide transported in the blood when it is bound to proteins.

Bicarbonate

A form of carbon dioxide transport; most CO2 in the blood is converted into bicarbonate.

Alveolar-capillary system

The interface where gas exchange occurs between the air in the alveoli and the blood in capillaries.

Hypoxic hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues due to low partial pressure of oxygen in the blood.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

Clinical connection

Real-world examples or applications of medical concepts, often used to illustrate clinical significance.

Carbon monoxide hemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to carbon monoxide (CO), which prevents it from carrying oxygen.

Factors that Shift Oxygen Dissociation Curve

Various physiological factors that can alter hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, such as pH and temperature.

Oxygen delivery

The total amount of oxygen transported to the tissues by the blood.

Oxygen extraction ratio

The ratio that indicates how much oxygen is extracted from the blood by the tissues.