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Multiple Choice
In the context of biology and human physiology, what are 'the bends'?
A
A condition caused by rapid decompression, leading to nitrogen bubbles forming in the blood
B
A type of muscle cramp experienced during intense exercise
C
A genetic disorder affecting the curvature of the spine
D
A viral infection that causes joint pain and swelling
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'the bends' in the context of biology and human physiology. It is commonly associated with diving and changes in pressure.
Step 2: Recognize that 'the bends' is a colloquial term for decompression sickness, which occurs when a person ascends too quickly from a high-pressure environment, such as underwater.
Step 3: Learn the physiological mechanism behind decompression sickness: During a dive, nitrogen from the air dissolves into the bloodstream due to increased pressure. If the pressure decreases rapidly during ascent, nitrogen comes out of solution and forms bubbles in the blood and tissues.
Step 4: Compare the given answer choices to the definition and mechanism of 'the bends': The correct answer is 'A condition caused by rapid decompression, leading to nitrogen bubbles forming in the blood,' as this matches the description of decompression sickness.
Step 5: Eliminate the other options by reasoning: Muscle cramps during exercise, genetic disorders affecting the spine, and viral infections causing joint pain are unrelated to the physiological process of decompression sickness.