The Simulated Human Diving Response Revised

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THE SIMULATED HUMAN DIVING RESPONSE Name: University: Course: Professor: State, City: Date: Abstract In human beings, diving response is characterized by holding of breath leading to decrease in heart rate also known as bradycardia, decrease in blood flow to body limbs and increase of blood pressure in arteries. Decreased heart rate is a result of an increase in parasympathetic stimulation of the hearts pacemaker. Reduction of blood flow to the body limbs results from an increase of activity of arteries sympathetic nerves leading to lower blood supply (Bove and Davis, 2004, p. 91). Diving response by the body can be triggered by holding of breath, immersing the face in chilling water and placing freezing gel packs on the face. Arterial blood oxygen tension, emotional factors and water temperature can modify diving response in humans. Every mammal respond to diving in cold water and this response enable the mammal to control how oxygen available for respiration will be used for as along it remains submerged in water (Allerton, 2009, p. 425). Laboratory experiments are normally performed by students in order to study this response. Vertebrates such as snakes also develop bradycardia in environments when oxygen is limited. Fish normally develop bradycardia when they are withdrawn from the water. Introduction Diving response refers to a psychological response in human and animals that allow them to survive when submerged in water or are drowning. It leads to blood being redistributed to vital organs such as the brain and heart hence ensuring a constant supply of oxygen. This leads to longer periods of suspended breathing (apneia) without risking asphyxiation (Robertson, Biaggioni, Burnstock, Low and Julian, 2007, p. 569). Diving response is achieved through constriction of blood vessels and reduction of blood supply to oxygen tolerant tissues with the heart rate

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