At what altitude does the alveolar Po2 drop to approximately 35 mm Hg in acclimatized individuals?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the altitude at which the partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) in the alveoli drops to around 35 mm Hg for individuals who have acclimatized to high altitude. This involves understanding concepts related to physiology and how oxygen levels change with altitude.
Answer
At extreme altitudes, alveolar PO2 drops to about 35 mm Hg in acclimatized individuals.
In acclimatized individuals, the alveolar PO2 drops to approximately 35 mm Hg at extreme altitudes. The precise altitude can vary depending on individual acclimatization and environmental conditions, but this level can be observed at very high altitudes where marked hyperventilation occurs.
Answer for screen readers
In acclimatized individuals, the alveolar PO2 drops to approximately 35 mm Hg at extreme altitudes. The precise altitude can vary depending on individual acclimatization and environmental conditions, but this level can be observed at very high altitudes where marked hyperventilation occurs.
More Information
Extreme altitudes typically refer to elevations above 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), where physiological responses such as hyperventilation are crucial for maintaining adequate oxygen levels.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the alveolar PO2 is always 35 mmHg at a specific altitude. It varies with individual acclimatization and environmental factors.
Sources
- High Altitude | Thoracic Key - thoracickey.com
- Human responses to extreme altitudes - academic.oup.com
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