As a scuba diver descends, the pressure of the water on the bodyprevents normal expansion of the lungs. To compensate, the diverbreathes pressurized air, which has a greater pressure than air at sealevel. What effect does the increased pressure have on the amount ofgas dissolved in the diver’s body fluids? A scuba diver who suddenlyascends to the surface from a great depth can develop decompressionsickness (the bends), in which bubbles of nitrogen gas form. Theexpanding bubbles damage tissues or block blood flow through smallblood vessels. Explain why the bubbles develop.

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter13: The Respiratory System
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1TAHL
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As a scuba diver descends, the pressure of the water on the body
prevents normal expansion of the lungs. To compensate, the diver
breathes pressurized air, which has a greater pressure than air at sea
level. What effect does the increased pressure have on the amount of
gas dissolved in the diver’s body fluids? A scuba diver who suddenly
ascends to the surface from a great depth can develop decompression
sickness (the bends), in which bubbles of nitrogen gas form. The
expanding bubbles damage tissues or block blood flow through small
blood vessels. Explain why the bubbles develop.

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