Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Respiratory System
C7 · Gas Transport and Diffusion
C7.iii · Carbon Dioxide Transport
Describe the movement of carbon dioxide from the cell to the atmosphere including detail on carbon dioxide carriage in the blood.
Written examination
SAQ history
Carbon Dioxide Monitoring — PaCO2 Determinants
1 exam appearance
CO2 Physiology — CO2 Carriage
4 exam appearances
CO2 Physiology — CO2 Production
1 exam appearance
Describe the production of carbon dioxide in the body (60% of marks). What are the physiological reasons why the PaCO2 may be high? (40% of marks)
10%
CO2 Physiology — PaCO2 Determinants
2 exam appearances
Outline the physiological factors that affect arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). (Measurement factors are NOT required.)
39%
Describe the physiological factors that affect the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide. (Measurement factors are not required).
30%
Oxygen Transport — O2/CO2 Carriage
2 exam appearances
Compare and contrast the carriage of oxygen in the blood with the carriage of carbon dioxide.
55%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2021A · Day 3 · VIVA 5
This viva will explore your knowledge of the physiology of carbon dioxide (CO2). (Image removed from report.) How is CO2 carried in the blood?
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2017B · Day 1 · VIVA 2
This viva will examine aspects of carbon dioxide physiology. You will be asked to describe the relationship of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO 2) (in either kPa or mmHg) and the CO2 concentration. (Image removed from report.)
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.