Answer to Question #79612 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for sylvia

Question

Romeo is taking scuba diving classes, and is confused as to why he should not hold his breath under water while breathing from the air tank. What would you tell him?

Answer 1

As we descend the pressure on our lungs increases and our lung volume decreases. So, when we do the opposite and ascend, the higher we ascend on one breath of air the more the pressure drops and the more our lungs expand. Overexpansion of the lung can lead to serious injuries.