Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation Curve and Acid-Base Regulation Notes

Flashcards for reviewing key terminology and concepts related to the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and acid-base balance.

Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and hemoglobin saturation.

Safety Zone

The range of pO2 from 60 to 100 mmHg where hemoglobin saturation remains relatively stable.

Right Shift

Indicates that hemoglobin has a decreased affinity for oxygen, promoting oxygen release to tissues.

Left Shift

Indicates that hemoglobin has an increased affinity for oxygen, facilitating oxygen uptake in the lungs.

Factors affecting Right Shift

Increased temperature, increased carbon dioxide, decreased pH (acidosis), and increased 2,3-BPG.

Factors affecting Left Shift

Decreased temperature, decreased carbon dioxide, increased pH (alkalosis), and decreased 2,3-BPG.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Acidosis

A condition where the body fluids have an excess of hydrogen ions, leading to a decrease in pH (below 7.35).

Alkalosis

A condition where the body fluids have an excess of bicarbonate or a deficiency of hydrogen ions, leading to an increase in pH (above 7.45).

Anion Gap

A calculation used to help identify the cause of metabolic acidosis; calculated by sodium - (chloride + bicarbonate).