CO2 Transport Flashcards
1
Q
How is CO2 transported to the lungs?
A
In plasma (carbamino bound to protein, as bicarb, and as dissolved CO2) or with RBCs (dissolved CO2, Carbamino-Hb which facilitates release of oxygen at the cell, or as bicarb)
2
Q
What enzyme facilitates CO2 transport in RBCs?
A
Carbonic anhydrase
3
Q
Describe the transport of CO2 in RBCs.
A
Rapid hydrolysis of H2CO3 causes RBC to be saturated with bicarb, excess bicarb diffuses out of RBC to maintain equilibrium, in plasma HCO3- combines with Na+ to form NaHCO3.
4
Q
What is chloride shift?
A
AKA Hamburger phenomenon, HCO3- moves out of RBC during CO2 transport, and Cl- moves into cell to maintain electrical neutrality.
5
Q
What is the normal ratio of HCO3- to H2CO3 in plasma?
A
20:1, >20:1 = more alkaline, <20:1 = more acidic.
