Diving physiology

Diving physiology is the study of the effects of the underwater environment on the human body. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including gas laws, decompression sickness, oxygen toxicity, and the effects of pressure on the body.

Gas Laws

The gas laws are fundamental to understanding diving physiology. These laws, including Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and Dalton's Law, describe how gases behave under pressure. Boyle's Law, for instance, states that the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure. This has significant implications for divers, as it explains why a diver's lungs can rupture if they ascend too quickly.

Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness, also known as "the bends", is a potentially serious condition that can occur when a diver ascends too quickly. It is caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the body's tissues and bloodstream. Symptoms can range from joint pain and dizziness to paralysis and death.

Oxygen Toxicity

Oxygen toxicity is another risk for divers, particularly those who use enriched air nitrox (EANx) or other gas mixes with a high oxygen content. Oxygen becomes toxic under pressure, and can cause symptoms such as nausea, seizures, and unconsciousness.

Effects of Pressure

The underwater environment exerts a great deal of pressure on the body, which can have various effects. For example, the increased pressure can cause nitrogen narcosis, a condition that can impair a diver's judgement and coordination. It can also lead to barotrauma, a type of injury caused by changes in air pressure.

See Also

• Scuba diving
• Hyperbaric medicine
• Underwater diving