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Ch. 21 The Respiratory System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 21 The Respiratory SystemProblem 14a
Chapter 21, Problem 14a

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Oxygen is transported primarily by dissolving in the plasma.

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1
Understand the role of oxygen transport in the blood. Oxygen is carried from the lungs to the tissues primarily by binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells, not by dissolving in the plasma.
Recall that only a small percentage of oxygen (about 1.5%) is dissolved directly in the plasma due to its low solubility in water.
The majority of oxygen (about 98.5%) is transported by binding to hemoglobin, forming oxyhemoglobin (HbO₂).
Evaluate the statement: 'Oxygen is transported primarily by dissolving in the plasma.' This is false because the primary method of oxygen transport is via hemoglobin, not plasma.
Correct the statement: 'Oxygen is transported primarily by binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells, with only a small amount dissolved in the plasma.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxygen Transport in Blood

Oxygen transport in the blood occurs mainly through two mechanisms: binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells and dissolving in plasma. While a small amount of oxygen is carried dissolved in plasma, the majority (about 98.5%) is transported bound to hemoglobin, which allows for efficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
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Role of Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen molecules. Each hemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules, significantly increasing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity compared to what could be transported dissolved in plasma alone. This binding is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in the body.
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Plasma and Gas Solubility

Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances, including gases. While gases like oxygen can dissolve in plasma, their solubility is limited. This is why the majority of oxygen is transported via hemoglobin, as the amount that can be carried dissolved in plasma is insufficient for the body's needs.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Hb in arterial blood is normally almost fully saturated.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following does not affect the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange?

a. The surface area of the respiratory membrane

b. The degree of match of ventilation to perfusion

c. The percent saturation of hemoglobin

d. The thickness of the respiratory membrane

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Textbook Question

When the alveolar Pco₂ decreases, the pulmonary arterioles_____. When the arteriolar Pco₂ increases, the bronchioles_______.

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Textbook Question

Henry's law states that the degree to which a gas dissolves in a liquid is determined by its:

a. Partial pressure

b. Solubility

c. Surface tension

d. Both a and b are correct

e. All of the above are correct

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Each Hb protein can carry up to four oxygen molecules.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

When the PO₂ of arterial blood drops slightly, the percent saturation of Hb drops dramatically.

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