PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What term describes how quickly a tissue compartment absorbs and releases gas?

1. Deep stop

2. Halftimes

3. Deco time

4. Gas load

The correct answer is: Halftimes

The term that describes how quickly a tissue compartment absorbs and releases gas is halftimes. Halftimes refer to the time it takes for a tissue to either absorb or eliminate half of the gas present in it. Each tissue in the body has a specific halftime based on its blood supply, solubility of the gas, and other physiological factors. Understanding halftimes is crucial in diving since they directly impact how long divers need to stay at depth and how long they should surface. When planning dives, divers must consider these times to optimize safety and avoid decompression sickness, as they indicate how quickly a tissue can react to changes in pressure. While the other terms are related to diving protocols and practices, they do not specifically capture the rate of gas absorption and release in tissue compartments.