Gas solubility

• Gas solubility:

  • Both O2 and CO2 are soluble gases
  • CO2 is 20 times more soluble than O2
  • High solubility of CO2 facilitates rapid diffusion despite small CO2 gradient
  • Equal amounts of CO2 & O2 diffuse across the respiratory membrane in the same time period
• Clinical relevance solubility:

  • In respiratory disease when diffusion is impaired O2 will be primarily affected as it is less soluble
  • A significant impairment is required to lead to poor CO2 transfer