Oxygen is essential for energy production in most cells and is carried by red blood cells that flow in blood vessels. The oxygen bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells is referred to as the ‘oxygen bound to hemoglobin.’ The oxygen dissolved in blood plasma is referred to as the ‘dissolved oxygen.’ Although the quantity of dissolved oxygen is less than that of oxygen bound to hemoglobin, it can flow to peripheral cells, especially those in the brain, heart, and eyes, even if capillaries are very narrow, since it is dissolved directly in blood plasma.
Abundant hemoglobin is distributed in red blood cells, and up to four oxygen molecules can bind to one hemoglobin (oxygen bound to hemoglobin). The other kind of oxygen is dissolved in blood plasma (dissolved oxygen). The quantity of dissolved oxygen is less than that of oxygen bound to hemoglobin.
Enhanced atmospheric pressure and/or oxygen concentration can increase oxygen in the body, especially dissolved oxygen in blood plasma.
In addition, dissolved oxygen is able to flow to the peripheral cells, especially those in the brain, heart, and eyes, even if capillaries are very narrow, since it is dissolved directly in blood plasma.
Source : Journal of physiological science
“Mechanisms and effects of mild hyperbarics and effects by : Akihiko Ishihara”
