Cellular Respiration

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Figure 1. Cellular Respiration

Understanding that carbon dioxide is a byproduct of normal cellular metabolism helps EMS providers interpret capnography readings, which reflect the body’s ability to remove this waste gas.

Audio Transcript

Cellular respiration produces the waste removed by alveolar respiration. As illustrated in Figure 1, at the cellular level, oxygen and glucose combine through a process called the Krebs Cycle to produce energy. This metabolic process creates carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a waste product. CO₂ diffuses from the cells into the bloodstream and is carried to the lungs for removal.

Understanding that carbon dioxide is a byproduct of normal cellular metabolism helps EMS providers interpret capnography readings, which reflect the body’s ability to remove this waste gas.

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