Transport of O2 by blood/High School (nurse)

The organism obtains oxygen from the surrounding environment by diffusion through the alveolo-capillary membrane. This is important for aerobic metabolism and the normal functioning of the organism.

Oxygen is bound to hemoglobin → oxyhemoglobin in the blood; in dissolved form, its amount is minimal. → the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in erythrocytes indicates the transport capacity of blood for oxygen.
 * 1 g of Hb = 1.39 ml of oxygen → 150 g of Hb in 1 liter of blood = 200 ml of oxygen → with a cardiac output of 5 l, 1 l of oxygen is transferred per minute.


 * Oxygen concentration is expressed by partial pressure (pO2).
 * Saturation of Hb with oxygen indicates saturation. It is expressed as a percentage.
 * The body of an adult at rest consumes approx. 250 ml of oxygen/min.
 * The amount of oxygen in the blood = 1.39 x the amount of Hb in g/lx saturation in %.

Affecting the binding of oxygen
The binding of oxygen to Hb is affected by: During the work of the tissues, a larger amount of CO 2 is released, heat is generated and the pH is reduced due to the formation of acidic substances - all this supports the release of oxygen from Hb. The binding of oxygen therefore depends on the metabolic demands of the organism, on its consumption.
 * temperature (tissues, environment),
 * blood pH
 * pCO22,
 * → high pCO 22 and decreasing pH reduces the affinity of Hb for oxygen.

An increase in oxygen delivery can be ensured under normal circumstances by increasing ventilation (increasing respiratory rate and volume) and by accelerating the heart rate. By affecting these parameters, the organism compensates for the increased use of oxygen in the tissues.

An increase in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood can be achieved by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Related Articles

 * Transport of O2 by blood, binding curve
 * Binding of oxygen to hemoglobin
 * Oxygen parameters