In humans whose historic way of life involves foraging for food underwater by breath-hold diving, there is evidence for more extensive physiological and genetic adaptations of the diving reflex than in typical …

May 18, 2015 · When a human holds their breath and submerges in water, the face and nose become wet, which in turn causes bradycardia, apnea, and increased peripheral vascular resistance; these …

Aug 27, 2025 · The diving reflex, also known as the mammalian diving reflex, is an innate physiological response in many air-breathing vertebrates, including humans. This mechanism optimizes the body’s …

Aug 9, 2023 · The diving reflex is a remarkable physiological adaptation that occurs when the body is immersed in water. By inducing bradycardia, vasoconstriction, and redistributing blood flow, the …

Oct 18, 2024 · The mammalian dive reflex is a survival mechanism that kicks in when mammals (including humans!) submerge their faces in cold water. It’s nature's way of helping us conserve …

Jan 15, 2025 · Discover the diving reflex and its impact on heart rate, breathing, and blood flow. Learn how cold water and the vagus nerve trigger the human dive response.

Aug 1, 2018 · The mammalian diving response, or “dive reflex,” is the way our body automatically prioritizes blood delivery to the brain and heart when we hold our breath underwater.

Jan 16, 2026 · The diving reflex is a protective physiological response that occurs in all mammals when the face is submerged in water. It triggers three main changes: your heart slows (bradycardia), you …

In humans, the diving reflex is not induced when limbs are introduced to cold water. Mild bradycardia is caused by subjects holding their breath without submerging the face in water. When breathing with …

Jan 29, 2005 · The purpose of this review is to outline the physiological responses associated with the diving response, its functional significance, and its cardiorespiratory control.