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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Ch. 21 The Respiratory System
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology24
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life37
- Ch. 3 The Cell54
- Ch. 4 Histology46
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System35
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System41
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart28
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity41
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
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.
Verified step by step guidance1
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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Functions of Blood
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
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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