Problem 14 - Biology

Question

When a diver ascends too rapidly, (a) bronchial constriction occurs (b) a diving reflex is activated (c) nitrogen rapidly bubbles out of solution in the body fluids (d) nitrogen hypoxia occurs (e) carbon dioxide bubbles damage the alveoli

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(c) nitrogen rapidly bubbles out of solution in the body fluids.

Step 1: Understanding the Exercise

The exercise asks about the physiological effects that occur when a diver ascends too rapidly from depth in water. We need to identify which of the given options correctly describes this physiological phenomenon.

Step 2: Analyzing the Options

The options include various physiological and pathological conditions: (a) bronchial constriction, (b) diving reflex activation, (c) nitrogen bubbling out of solution, (d) nitrogen hypoxia, and (e) carbon dioxide bubbles damaging alveoli. These suggest different physiological responses to rapid ascent.

Step 3: Identifying the Correct Physiological Phenomenon

When divers ascend too rapidly, the pressure decreases quickly causing dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, to come out of solution in the blood and tissues, leading to a condition known as decompression sickness or "the bends." This fits most closely with option (c).

Step 4: Justifying the Correct Answer

Option (c), 'nitrogen rapidly bubbles out of solution in the body fluids,' is correct because it is a well-known effect of rapid decompression. The other options describe different phenomena not directly linked to rapid ascent or are incorrect physiological occurrences.

Key Concepts

Physiological Effects of Diving

Diving involves being submerged under water where the body experiences increased pressure. This pressure impacts the gases present in a diver's body, mainly nitrogen. While under water, before the body adjusts, various physiological effects take place.
When diving deep, the pressure exerts a compressing force on the body, allowing gases like nitrogen to dissolve in blood and tissues more than they would at surface pressure.

• Increased pressure increases nitrogen absorption.


• The body's adaptation to pressure changes minimizes discomfort.

With proper ascent, the body's physiological adaptations can safely transition back to surface pressure conditions. Without proper measures, though, problems can arise.

Nitrogen Bubbles

Nitrogen bubbles are at the heart of decompression sickness. When a diver descends, increased pressure forces more nitrogen into the body, as explained earlier. But problems begin when ascending from depth without allowing proper decompression.
As a diver goes up, pressure decreases, and nitrogen can come out of solution, forming bubbles in the blood and tissue.

• Nitrogen is not metabolized, it must be exhaled.


• Bubbles form due to insufficient time for nitrogen to be eliminated.


• These bubbles can cause joint pain, dizziness, and severe physiological effects.

This process needs careful management, like gradual ascent and using decompression stops.

Rapid Ascent in Diving

Rapid ascent in diving can lead to serious health issues. The body cannot adjust quickly to the dropping pressure, and nitrogen bubbles may form. This leads to decompression sickness, more commonly known as 'the bends.'
When divers ascend too quickly,

• Nitrogen doesn't get time to be safely off-gassed.


• Bubbles may block blood flow causing tissue damage.


• Symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, and more serious consequences if untreated.

Safety protocols, such as following dive tables and using dive computers, are critical to avoid these dangers.