RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT Meaning and
Definition
-
Respiratory quotient is a measure used to assess the ratio between the volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced and the volume of oxygen (O2) consumed in a living organism during respiration. It is a tool commonly employed in physiological and metabolic studies to evaluate the type of substrate being metabolized for energy production.
The respiratory quotient is calculated by dividing the volume of carbon dioxide expelled by the volume of oxygen consumed within a certain period of time. This ratio can vary depending on the substrate being oxidized. For instance, if the organism is primarily burning carbohydrates for energy, the respiratory quotient will be close to 1.0, indicating that one molecule of oxygen is consumed for every one molecule of carbon dioxide produced. On the other hand, if the organism is primarily utilizing fats, the respiratory quotient will be lower than 1.0, as fats release more carbon dioxide for a given amount of oxygen consumed.
By measuring the respiratory quotient, scientists can gain insights into the metabolic state of an organism. It can help determine whether the body is utilizing carbohydrates or fats as the primary fuel source. It can also aid in assessing the energy balance and efficiency of different nutrients. Additionally, the respiratory quotient is used to calculate energy expenditure in diverse fields such as exercise physiology, nutrition, and clinical research.
-
• The figure obtained by dividing the amount of carbon dioxide in the expired air by that of the oxygen inhaled; it is normally about 0.9.
• The figure obtained by dividing the volume of carbon dioxide in the expired air by that of oxygen in the inspired air; it is normally less than unity- about 0.9.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT
- eespiratory quotient
- despiratory quotient
- fespiratory quotient
- tespiratory quotient
- 5espiratory quotient
- 4espiratory quotient
- rwspiratory quotient
- rsspiratory quotient
- rdspiratory quotient
- rrspiratory quotient
- r4spiratory quotient
- r3spiratory quotient
- reapiratory quotient
- rezpiratory quotient
- rexpiratory quotient
- redpiratory quotient
- reepiratory quotient
- rewpiratory quotient
- resoiratory quotient
Etymology of RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT
The word "respiratory quotient" is derived from two Latin terms: "respiratio" and "quotiens".
1. "Respiratio" comes from the Latin verb "respirare", which means "to breathe". It is also related to the noun "spiritus", meaning "breath" or "spirit".
2. "Quotiens" is a Latin word that means "how many times" or "how often".
When combined, "respiratory quotient" refers to a measurement used in physiology to determine the ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed during respiration. The term implies the frequency or rate at which breathing occurs as well as the exchange of gases involved in the process.
Similar spelling words for RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
