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A Case Study on Human Respiratory Physiology

By William H. Cliff, Ann W. Wright

Abstract

This directed case study was designed to help students strengthen their understanding of the transport of oxygen in the blood through an analysis of the pathophysiology of a common, real-world problem, namely, carbon monoxide poisoning. The case was developed for use by undergraduates majoring in biology, nursing, and education who are enrolled in a two-semester course in human anatomy and physiology.

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Date Posted

06/30/2005

Overview

Objectives

Distinguish partial pressure of O2 from percent O2 saturation.
Use the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve to determine the amount of oxygen transported in the blood and delivered to the tissues.
Explain the role played by hemoglobin in external respiration by determining how and where its dysfunction disrupts respiratory gas transfer in the body.

Keywords

Oxygen transport; carbon monoxide poisoning; alveolar air hemoglobin; oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve

Subject Headings

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Directed