How does the saturation rate of dense body tissues compare to less dense tissues?

The saturation rate of dense body tissues is slower compared to less dense tissues, and this can be attributed primarily to the differences in blood flow and the relationship between gas solubility and tissue density. Dense tissues, such as muscle and bone, have a higher mass and less vascularity than less dense tissues, like fat or organs, which typically have a richer blood supply.

When gases from diving are absorbed or eliminated from the body, the rate of saturation is heavily influenced by how quickly these gases can diffuse through the tissue and be transported by the bloodstream. Less dense tissues, with their greater perfusion rates and lower mass, allow for quicker saturation and desaturation of gases. In contrast, the denser tissues take longer for gases to saturate because the diffusion process is hindered by the tissue structure and lower blood flow.

This difference is critical in understanding how gas management works during dives and the risk of decompression sickness, as it emphasizes the importance of ascents and stops that allow for safe off-gassing from these various tissue types.