The Effect of High Pressures on Human Body Physiology
摘要
The human body is resilient but not well adapted to extremely high pressures. High-pressure environments significantly impact human body physiology. Elevated ambient pressures increase the partial pressure of gases such as nitrogen and oxygen, leading to physiological disturbances. Nitrogen narcosis impairs cognitive and motor functions, while oxygen toxicity can result in seizures and respiratory complications. Rapid decompression may lead to decompression sickness due to nitrogen bubble formation in tissues and blood. Additionally, barotraumas affect air-filled spaces such as the lungs, ears, and sinuses due to unequal pressure distribution. At extreme depths, high-pressure nervous syndrome can develop, characterized by tremors, nausea, and neurological disturbances. Cardiovascular changes, such as vasoconstriction and altered heart function, may also occur. Prolonged exposure may impact immune response and hormonal balance. Understanding these effects is critical for developing safety protocols in occupational and therapeutic high-pressure environments to minimize health risks and ensure human performance and survival under such conditions. Hence, proper equipment, controlled decompression, and careful monitoring are essential in high-pressure environments.