As pressure increases, how does nitrogen behave in the body?

As pressure increases, nitrogen behaves by dissolving more readily into the bloodstream. This phenomenon is explained by Henry's Law, which states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. In diving, as a diver descends and experiences increased pressure, nitrogen from the air they breathe becomes more soluble in the blood and tissues. This is a crucial aspect of dive physiology, as it relates directly to decompression sickness, also known as "the bends."

When divers ascend, the pressure decreases, and the nitrogen that had previously dissolved can form bubbles if not properly managed through slow ascent and safety stops. Therefore, understanding nitrogen's behavior under pressure is essential for safe diving practices.