252-255

Question 1

Explain how Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide are transported in the blood

Answer 1

Oxygen Transport
- Absorption: Oxygen (O₂) is absorbed in the lungs.
- Carried in Blood: O₂ binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
- Delivery: Hemoglobin transports O₂ to peripheral tissues (body cells).

Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Produced in Tissues: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is produced by cells during metabolism.
- Transported in Blood: CO₂ travels back to the lungs in three forms:
- Dissolved in plasma.
- Bound to hemoglobin (carbaminohemoglobin).
- As bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) in plasma.
- Exhalation: CO₂ is moved into the alveoli of the lungs and then exhaled from the body.

Question 2

How does ventilation regulate blood pH?

Answer 2

• Breathing Faster: When you breathe faster, you get rid of more CO₂.
• Less CO₂: Lower CO₂ means fewer hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood.
• Bicarbonate System: With less CO₂, H+ combines with bicarbonate to form carbonic acid, which turns into CO₂ and water.
• pH Balance: This lowers H+ levels, helping to raise blood pH and keep it from being too acidic.