What effects does pressure have on gases in a diver's body?

Increased pressure compresses gases, which is a fundamental principle that applies to divers as they descend underwater. When divers go deeper, the surrounding water pressure increases, causing the gases contained in the diver's body, such as those in the lungs and other air spaces, to compress. This compression can lead to significant physiological effects, including barotrauma, where the pressure changes can cause pain or damage to body tissues, particularly in air-filled cavities like the ears and sinuses.

Understanding this effect is crucial for divers as it highlights the importance of equalization techniques and ascent rates to prevent injuries related to changing pressure conditions. The concept of gas compression under increased pressure also emphasizes the need for careful planning and execution of dive profiles to avoid complications associated with rapid changes in pressure. For instance, if a diver ascends too quickly, the rapid decrease in pressure can lead to gas expanding too quickly, creating risks such as decompression sickness.