In the plateau region of the O₂-Hb curve, a large decrease in P_O2 results in a small decrease in Hb saturation, whereas in the steep portion of the curve, a small decrease in P_O2 results in a large decrease in percent Hb saturation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the behavior of the oxygen dissociation curve. In the plateau region, Hb is already almost fully saturated with oxygen, so a decrease in P_O2 will only cause a small decrease in percent Hb saturation. However, in the steep portion of the curve, Hb is not yet fully saturated with oxygen, so a small decrease in P_O2 can greatly affect the percent Hb saturation.

In the Plateau Region of the O2-Hb Curve, a Large

In the Plateau Region of the O₂-Hb Curve, a Large