Question

What is the partial pressure of oxygen in expired air?

Answer 1

Since inspired air is 21% oxygen and atmospheric pressure is 760 mmHg (at sea level), the partial pressure of oxygen is 0.21 x 760 mmHg = 160 mmHg. As air moves into the alveoli, water vapor and carbon dioxide are added, and that reduces the partial pressure of oxygen to about 100 mmHg in the alveolar gas.