Compared with the interstitial fluid that bathes active muscle cells, blood reaching these muscle 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 partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) than interstitial fluid because oxygen is transported from the lungs to the tissues via the bloodstream. Consequently, when blood reaches active muscle cells, there is a gradient for oxygen to diffuse from the blood into the interstitial fluid and ultimately into the muscle cells.

Compared with the Interstitial Fluid That Bathes Active Muscle Cells