News in Physiological Sciences, Vol 2, 64-66, Copyright © 1987 by International Union of Physiological Sciences
Diving Responses: Fact or Fiction
AS Blix
The classical concept of the diving response emphasizes the observed
selective vasoconstriction and bradycardia. It has recently been
questioned, however, whether these responses can be considered normal
reflex adjustments to diving because animals, when they dive voluntarily,
usually show much less bradycardia, and presumably less vasoconstriction,
than when they are forcibly submerged. These apparent differences in the
expression of the responses to submergence may be less important than
appear at first glance.
