diving and the lung

Question 1

Boyle’s Law

Answer 1

At a constant temperature the absolute pressure of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume
P1V1=P2V2
Applications: barotrauma, arterial gas embolism, gas supplies

Question 2

diving reflex

Answer 2

Diving reflex: apnoea, bradycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction

Question 3

Dalton’s Law

Answer 3

Total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the pressures that would be exerted by each of the gases if it alone were present and occupied the total volume

Question 4

Henrys Law

Answer 4

The amount of a gas dissolved in a liquid at a given temperature is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas
Effects:
• Proportionally more gas dissolves in the tissues at depth
• If ascend at rate that exceeds body’s capacity to clear this excess gas, inert bubbles may form in the tissues leading to decompression illness