What effect does rapid ascent have on dissolved gases in the body?

Rapid ascent during diving significantly impacts the behavior of dissolved gases within the body, primarily due to changes in pressure. Under higher pressures, gases such as nitrogen and oxygen dissolve more readily in bodily fluids. When a diver ascends quickly, the surrounding pressure decreases rapidly. This sudden drop in pressure can lead to a situation where the gases that were previously dissolved in the body's tissues and blood can no longer remain in solution, resulting in the formation of gas bubbles.

This phenomenon is often referred to in the context of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which occurs when dissolved gases, particularly nitrogen, come out of solution and form bubbles in body tissues and bloodstream. Such bubbles can cause damage to tissues and may obstruct blood flow, leading to serious health risks. Thus, understanding and managing the ascent rate is crucial for divers to avoid the harmful consequences associated with the rapid release of dissolved gases.