Coma
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Student Handout |
The Diving Reflex
The human body has evolved many responses to ensure survival under traumatic
experiences. One response, the diving reflex, extends the amount of time a
person can be underwater and still survive. Test the diving reflex with this
activity, and see how your body responds.
Procedure
Begin by measuring your resting pulse rate in beats per minute. Have your
partner place two fingers on your wrist and count your heartbeat for 15
seconds. Multiply this number by four and record your results:_________.
Then switch roles and repeat the procedure. To test your diving reflex, you will submerge your face in cold water for 15
seconds. Before you start, explain what you think will happen to your pulse as
a result of the experiment. Diving Reflex Test: Perform this test while sitting. Hold your breath and
submerge your face (up to the hairline and in front of the ears) in a pan of
cold water. While your face is in the water, have your partner measure your
pulse for 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four and record your results:_________.
Then switch roles and repeat the procedure.
Questions
What happens to your pulse when your face is immersed in cold water? Why do
you think this happened? How might this response help a person who falls into very cold water?
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