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Multiple Choice
Which parts of a diver's body are most affected by pressure changes during a dive?
A
Skin and hair
B
Air-filled spaces such as the lungs, sinuses, and middle ear
C
Blood plasma only
D
Bones and muscles
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of pressure changes during a dive: As a diver descends underwater, the pressure increases due to the weight of the water above them. This phenomenon is explained by Boyle's Law, which states that the volume of a gas decreases as pressure increases.
Identify the parts of the body that contain air-filled spaces: These include the lungs, sinuses, and middle ear. These areas are most affected by pressure changes because the air inside them compresses or expands depending on the surrounding pressure.
Explain why skin and hair are not significantly affected: Skin and hair are primarily composed of solid and liquid materials, which are incompressible under normal diving pressures. Therefore, they do not experience significant changes due to pressure.
Discuss why blood plasma is not the primary concern: Blood plasma is a liquid and is not compressible under normal diving conditions. While pressure changes can affect gas exchange in the blood, the primary concern is with air-filled spaces.
Clarify why bones and muscles are not the most affected: Bones and muscles are solid and dense tissues, which are not significantly impacted by pressure changes. The primary concern during a dive is the compression of air-filled spaces, which can lead to discomfort or injury if not managed properly.