Answer :

In the human lungs, the apex refers to the top portion of the lungs, while the base is the bottom portion, located near the diaphragm. The question about which part of the lung has lower oxygen saturation involves understanding the distribution of ventilation and perfusion in the lungs.

In simple terms, oxygen saturation refers to the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood.

The base of the lungs is generally better perfused, meaning it receives more blood flow compared to the apex. This is due to gravity when we are in an upright position. The blood is heavier and tends to pool towards the lower portions of the lungs, which are the bases.

However, the apex of the lungs is better ventilated. This means that it receives more air compared to the base when we inhale. Due to this mismatch, the apex has higher oxygen content and better oxygenation per unit of blood.

Therefore, despite being better ventilated, the base of the lungs has relatively lower oxygen saturation compared to the apex. This is because the excess blood flow at the base doesn’t get as well-oxygenated due to the relatively lower amount of air reaching it.

This difference in ventilation and perfusion between the apex and base of the lungs illustrates why the apex has a higher oxygen saturation compared to the base, which can seem counterintuitive given the larger blood supply at the base.

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Rewritten by : Barada