If the partial pressure of oxygen in the alveolar air is 104 mmHg, approximately what will be the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the blood leaving the pulmonary capillaries? A. 21 mmHg B. 40 mmHg C. 100 mmHg D. 160 mmHg
Option C. Oxygen will hold to diffuse from the alveoli throughout the respi- ratory membrane into the blood when the concentration gradient exists. The gradient will exist till the plasma concentration reaches 104 mmHg. In reality blood traveling away from the alveoli may be at slightly less than 104 mmHg as a few oxygen will were utilized by the lung tissue.
