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What is represented on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

April 26, 2017curve dissociation oxyhemoglobin represented

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What is represented on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

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The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is a graphic representation of the shifts of oxygen from the hemoglobin molecule to the blood and back. A shift to the left of the curve represents an increase in the SaO2 in proportion to the PaO2. In this condition, the blood is carrying an adequate amount of oxygen but little of it is released from the hemoglobin to be carried to the tissue; this is caused by increased pH (alkalosis), hypothermia, or a decrease in the red blood cell enzyme 2,3-DPG (which occurs after a massive transfusion of banked blood). A shift to the right of the curve represents a decrease of SaO2 in proportion to the PaO2. This shift occurs with acidosis, hyperthermia, and hypoxia and results in an improved delivery of oxygen to the tissues.