oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve

The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve shows how readily hemoglobin in blood picks up or releases oxygen depending on oxygen levels. When oxygen levels are high, like in the lungs, hemoglobin binds oxygen efficiently. As blood moves to tissues with lower oxygen, hemoglobin releases some oxygen to support cell functions. The curve is typically S-shaped, indicating that hemoglobin's oxygen affinity changes with oxygen pressure. Factors like temperature, pH, or carbon dioxide can shift this curve, affecting how easily oxygen is released or absorbed. Overall, it helps explain how our blood supplies oxygen to different parts of the body.