Q11 of 14 Page 17

Define the oxygen dissociation curve. Can you suggest any reason for its sigmoidal pattern?

The relationship between oxygen tension and its absorption by haemoglobin produces a graph called the oxygen dissociation curve. At about 100mm Hg O2 tension Hb is 98% saturated. As it falls, the saturation of Hb decreases slowly. When O2 tension is about 40 mm Hg, Oxyhaemoglobin dissociates and oxygen is available to the tissues.

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