The Deep
The Physiology of Decompression Sickness
Author(s)
Abstract
This case study presents a fictional story in a realistic setting to teach aspects of human cardiovascular and respiratory physiology as they pertain to decompression sickness and its treatment options. Specifically, students learn about the partial pressures of gases in the circulatory system and how they change with depth and altitude. The case relates how Dan and Beth, a couple who operate a charter business for diving expeditions, take six tourists out to dive a shipwreck. When it comes time to ascend, one of the divers cannot be found and Dan must stay behind for the rescue. When he finds the missing diver, there is not enough air left in their tanks to rise slowly and safely decompress. They make it to the surface, but must be airlifted to the nearest decompression chamber for treatment. This case was developed for Masters-level students in biology, but could easily be adapted for an upper-level undergraduate physiology course.
Objectives
- Understand what the normal partial pressures of gases in the circulatory system are and how they change with depth and altitude.
- Define and know the symptoms of hypoxia and hypercapnia.
- Understand what leads to decompression sickness and its treatment options.
- Understand how marine mammals such as dolphins and whales cope with and often avoid decompression sickness.
Keywords
Diving; decompression sickness; the bends; cardiovascular physiology; hypoxia; hypercapnia; respirationTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Undergraduate upper division, GraduateFormat
PDFType / Methods
Directed, Interrupted, Journal ArticleLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Physiology | Anatomy |
Date Posted
12/30/2013Teaching Notes
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