The oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve illustrates the relationship between partial pressure of oxygen (pao2) and hemoglobin saturation (sao2). A rightward shift indicates decreased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, leading to easier unloading, while a leftward shift indicates increased affinity and less unloading. External factors can cause these shifts, affecting oxygen transport in the blood.

1. Oxygen-hemoglobin Dissociation Curve
By Dipalee Parikh

2. The oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between partial pressure of
oxygen (PaO2) and the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (SaO2).
● SaO2 = % of hemoglobin (Hb) bound to oxygen
● PaO2 = amount of oxygen dissolved in blood

5. For example, at the same partial pressure of oxygen (e.g., 50mmHg), the blue curve (which has shifted to the right) has a
lower SaO2 level than the green curve (which has shifted to the left).
Remember...
● External factors that have caused a shift to the right cause Hb to have less affinity to bind O2 and O2 is unloaded
easier (SaO2 decreases).
● External factors that have caused a shift to the left cause Hb to have more affinity to bind O2 and O2 is not unloaded
as easily (SaO2 increases).

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