If a diver stays at a certain depth, what will eventually happen to their tissues regarding nitrogen?

When a diver remains at a certain depth for an extended period, the surrounding pressure causes nitrogen, which is present in the breathing gas, to dissolve into the body's tissues. This process is influenced 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.

As the diver continues to breathe at that depth, the nitrogen from the inhaled air diffuses into the tissues until an equilibrium is reached, meaning that the tissues become saturated with nitrogen. This saturation can vary based on the depth and duration of the dive, leading to a higher concentration of dissolved nitrogen in the body compared to at the surface.

Saturation with nitrogen can have implications for diving, particularly regarding decompression. If a diver ascends too quickly after being saturated, nitrogen can come out of solution quickly, potentially forming bubbles in the tissues or bloodstream, which can lead to decompression sickness. Thus, understanding the saturation process is critical for safe diving practices.