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1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

17. The Blood

Erythrocytes: Hemoglobin

Anatomy & Physiology

17. The Blood

Erythrocytes: Hemoglobin

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Multiple Choice

How does the oxygen dissociation curve for fetal hemoglobin compare to that for maternal hemoglobin?

The fetal hemoglobin curve is identical to the maternal hemoglobin curve.

The fetal hemoglobin curve is shifted downward, indicating a decreased oxygen capacity.

The fetal hemoglobin curve is shifted to the right, indicating a lower affinity for oxygen.

The fetal hemoglobin curve is shifted to the left, indicating a higher affinity for oxygen.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of the oxygen dissociation curve: It represents the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen (x-axis) and the hemoglobin saturation with oxygen (y-axis).

Recognize the significance of the curve's position: A leftward shift indicates a higher affinity for oxygen, meaning hemoglobin binds oxygen more readily at lower partial pressures.

Identify the physiological differences between fetal and maternal hemoglobin: Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has a different structure than adult hemoglobin (HbA), allowing it to bind oxygen more tightly.

Consider the biological necessity: The fetus relies on maternal blood supply for oxygen, so fetal hemoglobin must have a higher affinity to effectively extract oxygen from maternal blood.

Conclude that the fetal hemoglobin curve is shifted to the left compared to the maternal hemoglobin curve, indicating a higher affinity for oxygen, which is crucial for fetal oxygen uptake.