5 Questions
What is the primary reason for CO2 diffusion into blood at the tissue site?
Due to the high partial pressure of CO2 resulting from catabolism
What is the approximate volume of CO2 delivered to the alveoli by 100 ml of deoxygenated blood?
4 ml
What is the net result of the reaction at the alveolar site?
Release of CO2 and water
What is the primary location where CO2 is trapped as bicarbonate?
Tissue site
What is the primary function of the CO2 transportation process in the blood?
To remove excess CO2 from the body
Study Notes
CO2 Transport in the Blood
- At tissue sites, high CO2 partial pressure due to catabolism enables CO2 diffusion into blood (RBCs and plasma)
- CO2 reacts with water to form HCO3– and H+ in the blood
- At the alveolar site, low CO2 partial pressure reverses the reaction, producing CO2 and H2O
- Bicarbonate (HCO3–) from tissue sites is transported to the alveoli, where it's converted back to CO2
- Approximately 4 ml of CO2 is delivered to the alveoli from every 100 ml of deoxygenated blood
Learn how CO2 is transported in the blood, from its diffusion into blood cells and plasma to its conversion back to CO2 at the alveoli. Understand the role of bicarbonate and the partial pressure of CO2.
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