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Diving reflex in a human baby The diving reflex , also known as the diving response and mammalian diving reflex , is a set of physiological responses to immersion that overrides the basic homeostatic reflexes , and is found in all air-breathing vertebrates studied to date.
Human physiology of underwater diving is the physiological influences of the underwater environment on the human diver, and adaptations to operating underwater, both during breath-hold dives and while breathing at ambient pressure from a suitable breathing gas supply.
Physiological response to water immersion – Also known as the diving response and mammalian diving reflex; Physiology of decompression – The physiological basis for decompression theory and practice; Physiology of diving adaptations – Adaptations of marine vertebrates to diving
The physiology of underwater diving is the physiological adaptations to diving of air-breathing vertebrates that have returned to the ocean from terrestrial lineages. They are a diverse group that include sea snakes , sea turtles , the marine iguana , saltwater crocodiles , penguins , pinnipeds , cetaceans , sea otters , manatees and dugongs .
The diving reflex is more pronounced in aquatic mammals and is thought to have originated as a way to conserve oxygen and enhance the ability to stay underwater for longer periods. Key components of the diving reflex include: Bradycardia: The heart rate decreases significantly when the face is exposed to cold water. This helps to conserve ...
The science of underwater diving includes those concepts which are useful for understanding the underwater environment in which diving takes place, and its influence on the diver. It includes aspects of physics, physiology and oceanography. The practice of scientific work while diving is known as Scientific diving.
Narcosis results from breathing gases under elevated pressure, and may be classified by the principal gas involved. The noble gases, except helium and probably neon, [2] as well as nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen cause a decrement in mental function, but their effect on psychomotor function (processes affecting the coordination of sensory or cognitive processes and motor activity) varies widely.
The diving reflex is sometimes cited as evidence. This is exhibited strongly in aquatic mammals, such as seals, otters and dolphins. It also exists as a lesser response in other animals, including human babies up to 6 months old (see infant swimming). However adult humans generally exhibit a mild response.