Final answer:
Hemoglobin saturated with oxygen is termed 'Oxygen Saturation,' indicating that all heme units are bound to oxygen. Hemoglobin's oxygen affinity depends on its level of saturation, with maximum affinity at higher saturation levels and diminishing affinity once it is fully saturated.
Step-by-step explanation:
When hemoglobin is saturated with oxygen atoms, it is termed C) Oxygen Saturation. Oxygen saturation refers to the condition where all of the heme units in hemoglobin are bound to oxygen. Hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen depends on its level of saturation: as the percent saturation of hemoglobin increases to its maximum, its affinity for oxygen also increases. However, this affinity decreases as hemoglobin becomes fully saturated and its ability to bind additional oxygen diminishes.
As hemoglobin travels through the body, it picks up oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues where it is needed. In this process, hemoglobin that carries oxygen is known as oxyhemoglobin (HbO₂), while hemoglobin that has released its oxygen is referred to as reduced hemoglobin (HHb). It is important to note that in patients with insufficient hemoglobin, tissues may suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to conditions such as anemia. Thus, the percent saturation of hemoglobin is a crucial measurement in determining tissue oxygenation.