Gas transport in blood

Once the oxygen has diffused from the alveoli into pulmonary circulation, it must be carried, or transported, in the blood to cells and tissues that need it. Furthermore, once the carbon dioxide has diffused from the tissues into the systemic circulation, it must be transported to the lungs, where it can be eliminated. This section considers mechanisms by which these gases are transported. 

Transport of oxygen. Oxygen is carried in the blood in two forms  

It is important to note that oxygen bound to hemoglobin has no effect on the P02 of the blood. The amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin determines oxygen content of the blood. The POz of the blood is determined by the amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma. 

Factors affecting transport of oxygen. Several factors affect the transport of oxygen, including  

Carbon monoxide interferes with the transport of oxygen to the tissues by way of two mechanisms  

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