In the plateau region of the Hb-O₂ curve,a large decrease in PO₂ results in a small decrease in Hb saturation,whereas in the steep portion of the curve,a small decrease in PO₂ results in a large decrease in percent Hb saturation.

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This statement is correct. The plateau region of the Hb-O₂ curve represents the saturation of Hb at high PO₂ levels, where additional increases in PO₂ have little effect on Hb saturation. In this region, there is a large reserve of oxygen bound to Hb that can be released to tissues with even small decreases in PO₂. In contrast, the steep portion of the curve represents the saturation of Hb at lower PO₂ levels, where even small decreases in PO₂ can cause large reductions in Hb saturation, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.

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