Mathematical analysis of tissue $$P_{O_2 }$$ distribution in the cat carotid body.

The $$P_{O_2 }$$ histogram of the carotid body tissue was calculated on the basis of a microscopical serial reconstruction, published physiological data, and a mathematical model. The calculation was made for glomoid as the subunit of the carotid body and the total organ by varying the following parameters: arterial $$P_{O_2 }$$ , oxygen consumption, hematocrit, diameter of the vessels, perfusion pressure, and capillary length. The results provide explanations for differences in the literature about the tissue $$P_{O_2 }$$ distribution in the cat carotid body. Differences in the capillary length of the carotid bodies seem to be the main reason for different $$P_{O_2 }$$ histograms. Furthermore, it is shown that the local flow velocities in the carotid body are in the range of local flow velocities known from other organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]