Compared with the interstitial fluid that bathes active muscle cells, blood reaching these cells in arteries has a
A)higher PO2.
B)higher PCO2.
C)greater bicarbonate concentration.
D)lower pH.
E)lower osmotic pressure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arterial blood has a higher PO2 than interstitial fluid because oxygen diffuses from the blood to the interstitial fluid in order to reach the muscle cells. In contrast, the muscle cells consume oxygen, so the interstitial fluid has a lower PO2. The other choices are not necessarily true or relevant for this comparison.

Compared with the Interstitial Fluid That Bathes Active Muscle Cells