Formed when oxygen binds to haemoglobin.

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Oxyhaemoglobin is formed when oxygen binds to haemoglobin. In the lungs, oxygen binds to the iron in the haem groups, causing haemoglobin to change shape and pick up O2. Each haemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules, enabling efficient transport to tissues where O2 is released for cellular use. The other forms represent different states: deoxyhaemoglobin is haemoglobin with no oxygen bound; carboxyhaemoglobin forms when carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin, blocking oxygen binding; and methemoglobin is when iron is in the ferric (Fe3+) state, which impairs oxygen binding and delivery.