The diving reflex might allow a person to survive extended periods of submersion in cold water secondary to:

The diving reflex might allow a person to survive extended periods of submersion in cold water secondary to:

• A. A. Bradycardia and a slowing of the metabolic rate.
• B. B. Laryngospasm that protects the lungs from water.
• C. C. Increases in the metabolic rate and oxygen demand.
• D. D. Tachycardia and a lowering of the blood pressure.

Answer: (A)

The diving reflex is a physiological response that occurs when a person is submerged in water, particularly cold water. It is characterized by a series of adaptations that help to conserve oxygen and prolong survival during submersion. The correct answer highlights two vital components of this reflex: bradycardia, which is a slowing of the heart rate, and a reduction in metabolic rate. When a person is submerged, especially in cold water, the body instinctively responds by slowing the heart rate. This bradycardia reduces oxygen consumption and helps to extend the time a person can survive without breathing air. Additionally, the lowering of the metabolic rate decreases the overall demand for oxygen by the body's tissues. Together, these responses optimize the body's use of available oxygen, allowing for better chances of survival during prolonged periods of submersion. The other options do not accurately reflect the mechanisms of the diving reflex. For instance, laryngospasm, while it may protect the lungs from water intake, does not fundamentally contribute to survival during extended submersion in the way that the combined effects of bradycardia and a lower metabolic rate do. Similarly, increases in metabolic rate and oxygen demand contradict the concept of the diving reflex, and tachycardia paired with lowered

The diving reflex is a physiological response that occurs when a person is submerged in water, particularly cold water. It is characterized by a series of adaptations that help to conserve oxygen and prolong survival during submersion. The correct answer highlights two vital components of this reflex: bradycardia, which is a slowing of the heart rate, and a reduction in metabolic rate.

When a person is submerged, especially in cold water, the body instinctively responds by slowing the heart rate. This bradycardia reduces oxygen consumption and helps to extend the time a person can survive without breathing air. Additionally, the lowering of the metabolic rate decreases the overall demand for oxygen by the body's tissues. Together, these responses optimize the body's use of available oxygen, allowing for better chances of survival during prolonged periods of submersion.

The other options do not accurately reflect the mechanisms of the diving reflex. For instance, laryngospasm, while it may protect the lungs from water intake, does not fundamentally contribute to survival during extended submersion in the way that the combined effects of bradycardia and a lower metabolic rate do. Similarly, increases in metabolic rate and oxygen demand contradict the concept of the diving reflex, and tachycardia paired with lowered