What effect does pressure have on the human body during a dive?

During a dive, the increase in pressure significantly alters the behavior of gases within the body, particularly the gases dissolved in the bloodstream. According to Boyle's Law, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure exerted on it. As divers descend and experience higher pressures, the gases in their bodies, such as nitrogen and oxygen, are compressed. This means that more gas is dissolved in the body fluids at greater depths.

As a result of this increased pressure, divers must manage the risks associated with inert gas absorption, particularly nitrogen. If divers ascend too quickly, the nitrogen that was absorbed during the dive can form bubbles as the pressure decreases, leading to conditions like decompression sickness.

This aspect of gas behavior is crucial for divers to understand, as it directly impacts their safety and the physiological responses of their bodies during and after dives. The altered gas behavior necessitates proper planning regarding dive depth, duration, and ascent rates, as well as adherence to safety protocols like decompression stops to allow the body to equalize safely.