Oxygen consumption

9 important questions on Oxygen consumption

What is the definition of maximal oxygen utilization (VO2max)?

The potential maximal oxygen utilization an individual can reach under a certain subset of conditions.

By which two groups of determinants, VO2max is limited?

The factors affecting VO2 are often divided into supply and demand.Supply is the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the mitochondria (including lung diffusion, stroke volume, blood volume, and capillary density of the skeletal muscle) while demand is the rate at which the mitochondria can reduce oxygen in the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Of these, the supply factor is often considered to be the limiting one. However, it has also been argued that while trained subjects probably are supply limited, untrained subjects can indeed have a demand limitation.

Could the increase in stroke volume and heart rate frequency explain the maximal increase in oxygen consumption?

No. SV increases limited and the HR increase is mainly determined by age. CO can increase up to 40 l/min. But al those factors cannot explain the maximal increase in oxygen consumption. Other factors also determine consumption. CO is mainly determines transport.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What is CaO2-CvO2 and from what is it dependent?

This reflect de oxygen consumption.

Describe in your own words Fick's law.

The net diffusion rate of a gas across a fluid membrane is proportional to the difference in partial pressure, proportional to the area of the membrane and inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane.

Summarize all possible restrictions of oxygen diffusion from lung to blood

1. Low PO2 in the air
2. Limited ventilation
3. Limited bloodflow
4. Contact time of blood in the lungs
5. Ventilation/perfursion
6. Edema
7. Shunts

Which artificial methods can also enhance oxygen transport?

1. Higher PO2 in inhaled air
2. Additional blood volume
3. Higher levels of Hb (epo)

What are the restrictions of oxygen diffusion in the periphery?

1. Capillarisation
2. Surface exchange

In highly trained athletes the VO2 max is constant over the whole season. However, the anaerobic threshold does shift as a consequence of the athletes shape. Define the anaerobic threshold and consider to which way this shifts when the athlete is in top shape.

Anaerobic threshold is the point at which lactate accumulates in athletes. Behind this point it is hard for athletes to continue exercise. AT shifts to the right with a good training programme, based onimprovement in oxygen transport and in lactate transport/removal and lactate metabolism.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo