Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve
Topic: Anatomy & physiology
The S-shaped curve relating the partial pressure of oxygen in blood (PaO₂) to hemoglobin oxygen saturation. On its flat upper part, as in the lungs, saturation changes little when PaO₂ varies; on its steep part, a small fall in PaO₂ releases much oxygen to the tissues. Rising CO₂, acidosis and a higher temperature shift the curve to the right, so hemoglobin gives up oxygen more readily; a left shift holds oxygen more tightly and impairs delivery to tissues. Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) estimates saturation; an arterial blood gas measures PaO₂ (normally 80–100 mmHg).
- Also known as:
- Oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve
- In Turkish:
- Oksihemoglobin ayrışma eğrisi
What does Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve mean?
Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is part of the Anatomy & physiology topic in nursing. Students meet it in class, on clinical placements and while preparing for exams.
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