What happens to a diver’s body upon ascending too quickly?

Ascending too quickly can lead to decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends." During a dive, a diver's body absorbs more nitrogen from the air due to the increased pressure at greater depths. As the diver ascends, the pressure decreases, causing dissolved gases, primarily nitrogen, to come out of solution and form bubbles in the body. If a diver ascends rapidly, the rate at which these gases expand and form bubbles can exceed the body's ability to safely eliminate them, leading to potential injury to tissues and organs.

Decompression sickness can manifest with a range of symptoms, including joint pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, neurological impairment. This emphasizes the importance of adhering to safe ascent rates, typically not exceeding 9-18 meters (30-60 feet) per minute, and performing safety stops during ascent to allow nitrogen to be gradually released from the body. Other options do not specifically relate to the physiological consequences of rapid ascent, making them less relevant in the context of diving safety and health.