Peak Performance - Gas exchange - Transport of O2 and CO2 into blood

4 important questions on Peak Performance - Gas exchange - Transport of O2 and CO2 into blood

What is the pO2 in the blood as it travels from the right side of the heart to the lungs?

pO2= 40mmHg in the blood capillaries
compared to 104mmHg in the alveoli

What is the pressure difference that forces O2 to diffuse from the alveoli to the capillaries?

104mmHg-40mmHg = 64mmHg.

What happens to the rate of oxygen saturation during strenuous exercise?

Increases. The cardiac output increases and so the blood passes through the capillaries at a much faster rate. However, the speed of saturation increases and so the blood remains fully saturated with oxygen.
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Why does the diffusion capacity for oxygen increase during exercise?

1. Increased surface area of capillaries.
2. Greater perfusion = Va/Q is more ideal.

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