What effect does higher ambient pressure have on nitrogen absorption in the body?

Higher ambient pressure increases nitrogen absorption in the body due to the principles of gas solubility. According to Henry's Law, the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas. As a diver descends and experiences higher ambient pressure, the amount of nitrogen available in the environment increases, leading to a greater partial pressure of nitrogen.

This higher partial pressure causes more nitrogen to dissolve into the body's tissues and fluids. Therefore, during deep dives, divers have to be cautious about nitrogen absorption because it raises the risk of developing conditions such as nitrogen narcosis or decompression sickness upon ascent if not managed properly.

Understanding this relationship between pressure and gas absorption is crucial for divers to plan their dives safely and manage their ascent rates to allow for the safe elimination of excess nitrogen from their bodies.