What physiological effect does diving at depth have on the human body concerning gases?

Diving at depth significantly affects how gases behave in the body, particularly in relation to nitrogen. As you descend underwater, the pressure increases, which causes nitrogen—present in the air we breathe—to dissolve more readily into our body tissues and blood. This phenomenon is governed by Henry's Law, which states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid.

At greater depths, the partial pressure of nitrogen increases, leading to increased absorption by the body. This increase in nitrogen absorption is a critical aspect of understanding decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which can occur when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at significant depths. Thus, the deeper one dives, the more nitrogen is absorbed by the body, making it important for divers to follow proper ascent procedures to allow for safe off-gassing of nitrogen and avoid potential complications.