Oxygen Dissociation Curve

Key points

• Oxygen dissociation curve The oxygen dissociation curve describes the relationship between the percentage of saturated haemoglobin and partial pressure of oxygen in the blood. It is not affected by haemoglobin concentration Basics
• shifts to left = for given oxygen tension there is increased saturation of Hb with oxygen i.e. decreased oxygen delivery to tissues
• shifts to right = for given oxygen tension there is reduced saturation of Hb with oxygen i.e. enhanced oxygen delivery to tissues Shifts to Left = Lower oxygen delivery Shifts to Right = Raised oxygen delivery Raised [H+]…
• Low [H+] (alkali)
• Low temperature Another mnemonic is 'CADET, face Right!' for C02, Acid, 2,3-DPG, Exercise and Temperature *2,3-diphosphoglycerate