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Mnemonics, Simplified Concepts & Thoughts

Oxygen Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve : Mnemonic

Epomedicine, Aug 28, 2021Aug 28, 2021

Last updated on August 28, 2021

The oxygen hemoglobin dissociation curve is sigmoidal in shape because the binding of 1st oxygen molecule is difficult, however once bound, they facilitate the binding of subsequent molecules until the saturation is reached (plateau). This is called the allosteric interaction (cooperativity).

oxygen hemoglobin dissociation curve

Lets come to the mnemonics now.

The curve can either shift:

  1. Left: Oxygen is Locked up
  2. Right: Oxygen is Released

Now for the factors affecting the curve:

  1. Left: Lessening
  2. Right: Rising

The commonly used mnemonic for remembering the factors is

  1. CO2
  2. Acid (H+)/Altitude
  3. DPG
  4. Exercise
  5. Temperature

CADET face Left when all these are Lessening and lead to Locking up of Oxygen.

CADET face Right when all these are Rising and lead to Release of Oxygen.

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PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS AnesthesiaPhysiologyRespiratory system

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Epomedicine. Oxygen Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve : Mnemonic [Internet]. Epomedicine; 2021 Aug 28 [cited 2025 Jun 17]. Available from: https://epomedicine.com/medical-students/oxygen-hemoglobin-dissociation-curve-mnemonic/.

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