Which role does nitrogen play in the development of decompression sickness?

Nitrogen plays a critical role in the development of decompression sickness primarily because of its behavior under changing pressure conditions during diving. When a diver descends, the ambient pressure increases, allowing nitrogen, which is naturally dissolved in the body's tissues and blood, to be absorbed. As the diver ascends and the pressure decreases, the nitrogen that has been absorbed into the body can start to come out of solution and form bubbles. This process is analogous to opening a carbonated beverage; as the pressure is released, carbon dioxide comes out of solution and forms bubbles.

When these nitrogen bubbles form within the body's tissues or bloodstream during ascent, they can cause a range of problems, from mild pain to severe physiological consequences, including decompression sickness. Decompression sickness occurs when these bubbles obstruct blood flow or damage tissues.

Understanding this process highlights the importance of controlled ascents and the use of safety stops to allow nitrogen to be gradually released from the body’s tissues, minimizing the risk of bubbles forming and consequently avoiding decompression sickness.