Final answer:
Hypoxia is the condition when oxygen levels are low, impacting various bodily functions and leading to potential symptoms such as fatigue and confusion. It highlights the need for a carefully maintained balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream for proper physiological function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition when oxygen levels are low is called hypoxia. This term refers to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body's tissues, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and confusion. It is important to maintain a balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to prevent respiratory acidosis (excess CO2 making the blood too acidic) or respiratory alkalosis (insufficient CO2 making the blood too alkaline). The body's respiratory system works hand-in-hand with the nervous and cardiovascular systems to maintain this balance and ensure homeostasis in blood gases and pH levels.
Other related terms include hypercapnia, which is an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood, often due to impaired respiratory function or hypoventilation from drugs. Conversely, hypocapnia refers to abnormally low blood levels of CO2 caused by hyperventilation, which can occur from various factors such as salicylate toxicity or fever.