Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hypoxemia is a condition characterized by low levels of oxygen in the blood, specifically in the arteries. It can lead to various symptoms and complications if not addressed properly.
These are red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs for expulsion.
A protein found in erythrocytes that binds oxygen, facilitating its transport throughout the body.
Oxygen saturation: This refers to the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the bloodstream that are fully saturated with oxygen, indicative of efficient oxygen transport and delivery