What physiological change occurs during hyperbaric exposure?

During hyperbaric exposure, the increase in ambient pressure results in a significant increase in the solubility of gases, particularly oxygen and nitrogen, in bodily fluids. This phenomenon is governed by Henry's Law, which states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. As the pressure increases, more gas molecules can be dissolved in the liquid, leading to a higher concentration of the gases within the body.

This increased gas solubility plays a crucial role in therapeutic applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, where elevated oxygen levels in tissues can facilitate healing and combat infections. Understanding this physiological change is essential for safely conducting dive operations and managing decompression sickness, as well as for treating conditions that benefit from enhanced oxygen delivery to tissues.