Oxygen and CO2 Transport

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, including definitions and explanations to assist with studying for the exam.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Perfusion

The passage of blood through the circulatory system leading to the supply of oxygen to tissues.

Oxyhemoglobin

Oxygen bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

PaO2

Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.

SaO2

Oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood, reported as a percentage.

Hb

Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Total Oxygen Content (CaO2)

The total amount of oxygen present in arterial blood, calculated from dissolved oxygen and oxygen bound to hemoglobin.

Venous Admixture

The mixing of non-oxygenated blood with re-oxygenated blood, often analyzed in arterial blood gas tests.

Cloride Shift

The movement of bicarbonate ions out of red blood cells in exchange for chloride ions to maintain electrical neutrality.

A-a gradient

Alveolar-arterial gradient, a measure used to assess the integrity of the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Haldane Effect

The phenomenon in which increased oxygen saturation in the blood causes a decrease in carbon dioxide content at a given partial pressure.

Hypoxia

Inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissue.

Hypoxemia

Inadequate amount of oxygen in arterial blood.

CO2 Transport

The process of transporting carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation, occurring via several mechanisms.

Methemoglobin

An abnormal form of hemoglobin that cannot bind oxygen effectively.

VO2

Oxygen consumption by tissues, measured per minute.

O2ER

Oxygen extraction ratio, indicating the percentage of oxygen consumed relative to the amount delivered.