How Dolphins Avoid The Bends
By: NDTVNewsDesk
Image: Pexels
Dolphins avoid the bends through a combination of anatomical, physiological, and behavioural adaptations.
Image: Pexels
These adaptations limit the absorption of nitrogen into the bloodstream at high pressures.
Image: Pexels
Unlike human scuba divers who breathe compressed air underwater, dolphins are breath-hold divers.
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As a dolphin dives, the immense water pressure naturally causes its lungs to collapse.
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This forces any remaining air from the tiny, blood-rich alveoli into the rigid, cartilaginous airways where nitrogen cannot be absorbed into the blood.
Image: Pexels
Dolphins can actively slow their heart rates even before a dive, and adjust the rate based on the intended dive's duration.
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This conscious control regulates blood flow, allowing them to conserve oxygen.
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Despite these adaptations, dolphins and other cetaceans are not completely immune to decompression sickness.
Image: Pexels
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