Arterial blood

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Arterial blood is the oxygenated blood found in the arteries, which is transported from the heart to the rest of the body. This type of blood is rich in oxygen and low in carbon dioxide, making it crucial for the delivery of oxygen to the tissues and organs.

Composition

Arterial blood is characterized by its bright red color due to the high concentration of oxyhemoglobin. It contains:

• High levels of oxygen
• Low levels of carbon dioxide
• Nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and lipids
• Hormones and other signaling molecules
• Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium

Function

The primary function of arterial blood is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs. This is essential for cellular respiration, which produces the energy required for various physiological processes. Arterial blood also plays a role in:

• Removing metabolic waste products
• Regulating body temperature
• Maintaining pH balance and homeostasis

Measurement

Arterial blood can be sampled for various diagnostic purposes. The most common test is the arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, which measures:

• Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)
• Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
• pH level
• Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
• Oxygen saturation (SaO2)

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in arterial blood composition can indicate various medical conditions. For example:

• Hypoxemia: Low levels of oxygen in the blood
• Hypercapnia: High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood
• Acidosis: Low pH levels
• Alkalosis: High pH levels

Related Topics

• Circulatory system
• Pulmonary circulation
• Systemic circulation
• Venous blood
• Hemoglobin
• Respiratory system

See Also

• Blood pressure
• Cardiac output
• Oxygen transport