Oxyhemoglobin

Oxyhemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen. It is the oxygen-loaded form of hemoglobin that exists in the red blood cells when they leave the lung capillaries.

Structure

Oxyhemoglobin is formed during physiological respiration when oxygen binds to the heme component of the protein hemoglobin in red blood cells. This process occurs in the pulmonary capillaries located in the lungs. The binding of oxygen with hemoglobin changes the structure of the hemoglobin molecule to the relaxed or R state, which has a higher affinity for oxygen.

Function

The primary function of oxyhemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. The oxygen then dissociates from the hemoglobin, a process facilitated by carbon dioxide, and is released into the tissues. This process is known as oxygen delivery.

Measurement

The amount of oxyhemoglobin in the blood can be measured using a method called pulse oximetry. This non-invasive method uses a sensor placed on the skin to measure the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.

Clinical significance

Abnormal levels of oxyhemoglobin can indicate a number of health conditions. Low levels can indicate hypoxemia, a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood. High levels can be caused by various conditions, including polycythemia, a disorder characterized by an excessive production of red blood cells.

See also

• Hemoglobin
• Oxygen transport
• Pulse oximetry

Oxyhemoglobin Resources
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