a.

Discuss the importance of oxygen transport mechanism and oxygen utilization

by the cells.

The transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues is an important process
which allows the oxidative phosphorylation reactions in the mitochondria, which are
important for ATP to be formed. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formed during the final
stage of cellular respiration is useful as fuel to maintain homeostasis and cellular
metabolism. When there is a deficiency of oxygen ATP stores are consumed little by
little; the speed at which the depletion is manifested and the subsequent cell damage
depend on both tissue oxygen requirements, and the ability to form ATP from anaerobic
metabolism. However, the anaerobic ATP production is often insufficient to meet
metabolic requirements and thus the cell damage is only delayed but not avoided: each
time the cell demand exceeds supply oxygen organ dysfunction and irreversibly
damage may occur, depending on the degree and duration of oxygen deprivation.

Oxygen is an essential element for our body, it is transported from the air you
breathe to the cells of the body where it is used for metabolic processes. Its lack leads
to an abnormal accumulation of metabolic wastes within the body; this happens
because the cells get energy from the food through the cellular respiration which
consists of a series of reactions which terminate with the formation of energy in the form
of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Without an adequate supply of oxygen there is a
deficient production of energy for which the metabolic and environmental toxins waste
will no longer be eliminated effectively by the body.

b. Trace/ illustrate the blood circulation from the right side of the heart to the liver.

The liver receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs in blood that comes from two large
blood vessels: ● Portal vein ● Hepatic artery The portal vein provides about two thirds
of the blood. This blood contains oxygen and many nutrients brought to the liver from
the intestines for processing. The hepatic artery provides the remaining one third of
blood. This oxygen-rich blood comes from the heart and provides the liver with about
half of its oxygen supply. Receiving blood from two blood vessels helps protect the liver:
If one of these blood vessels is damaged, the liver can often continue to function
because it receives oxygen and nutrients from the other blood supply. Blood leaves the
liver through the hepatic veins. This blood is a mixture of blood from the hepatic artery
and from the portal vein. The hepatic veins carry blood to the inferior vena cava—the
largest vein in the body—which then carries blood from the abdomen and lower parts of
the body to the right side of the heart