Abstract
Determinations of oxygen saturation and arterial pH in submerged ducks with subsequent estimation of the arterial P O 2 have shown that the arterial P O 2 does not fall below 25–30 mm Hg during submersions lasting 5–8 min although the corresponding arterial O 2 saturation may be less than 5% HbO 2. The elevated P O 2 is a function of the simultaneous acidification of the blood; thus pH values of 7.1–7.0 are commonly observed during prolonged underwater exposures. Because of the reasonably high P O 2 , ducks remain fully conscious throughout extended submersions and are able to utilize all of the O 2 stored in the body.
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