Human physiology of underwater diving

Human physiology of underwater diving is the physiological influence of the underwater environment on the human diver, and adaptations to operating underwater, both during breath-hold dives and while breathing at ambient pressure from a suitable breathing gas supply. It, therefore, includes the range of physiological effects generally limited to human ambient pressure divers either freediving or using underwater breathing apparatus. Several factors influence the diver, including immersion, exposure to the water, the limitations of breath-hold endurance, variations in ambient pressure, the effects of breathing gases at raised ambient pressure, effects caused by the use of diving equipment, and the psychological effects of the underwater environment.

Immersion

Immersion in water and exposure to cold water and high pressure have physiological effects on the diver which limit the depths and duration possible in ambient pressure diving. Immersion affects fluid balance, circulation and work of breathing.

Exposure to cold water

Exposure to cold water can result in the harmful cold shock response or the beneficial diving reflex. The diving reflex optimizes respiration which can be advantageous for extending breath-hold time.

Breath-hold limitations

Breath-hold diving by an untrained diver is limited to depths of about 40 meters (130 ft), beyond which vertigo may occur, and nitrogen narcosis becomes a significant hazard for those who breath-hold dive at depths greater.

Variations in ambient pressure

Variations in ambient pressure can lead to barotrauma and decompression sickness. The use of breathing apparatus allows the diver to stay underwater longer, at greater depths, but the high pressure environment has several effects on the physiology.

Breathing gases at raised ambient pressure

Breathing gases at raised ambient pressure has an effect on the diver's physiology. The effects of breathing gases under pressure are increased with depth.

Diving equipment

The use of diving equipment also has physiological effects on the diver, primarily associated with the breathing apparatus.

Psychological effects

The underwater environment can be psychologically stressful to the diver, and the physiological effects of this stress can be significant, particularly in an emergency.

See also

• Diving medicine
• Underwater diving
• Diving physics

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