• 99% of O2 is transported bound to hemoglobin (Hb)
– Oxyhemoglobin: Hb bound to O2
– Deoxyhemoglobin: Hb not bound to O2
• Amount of O2 that can be transported per unit
volume of blood is dependent on the Hb
concentration
– Each gram of Hb can transport 1.34 ml O2
• Oxygen content of blood (100% Hb saturation)
– Males:
– Females:
O2 Transport in the Blood
150 g Hb/L blood x 1.34 ml O2/g Hb = 200 ml O2/L blood
130 g Hb/L blood x 1.34 ml O2/g Hb = 174 ml O2/L blood