What does "the bends" refer to in diving?

"The bends," medically known as decompression sickness, specifically refers to a condition that occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths with increased pressure. During a dive, nitrogen from the breathing gas becomes dissolved in the body's tissues under high pressure. If a diver ascends rapidly, the decrease in pressure causes the dissolved nitrogen to come out of solution too quickly, forming bubbles in the body. These bubbles can lead to various symptoms, ranging from joint pain to more serious effects on the central nervous system.

Understanding the mechanics of this condition is crucial for safe diving practices. Divers must follow proper ascent rates and consider safety stops to allow their bodies to safely eliminate the excess nitrogen. This knowledge helps prevent the dangerous effects associated with rapid pressure changes.

The other options, while related to diving, do not accurately describe "the bends." Overinflation of the lungs pertains to issues with expanding gas in the lungs during ascent without proper exhalation, and loss of buoyancy control relates to managing one's position in the water rather than nitrogen saturation. A continuous state of fatigue underwater, though possibly encountered by divers, does not directly relate to the physiological effects of decompression sickness.