The diving reflex is an adaptation found in marine mammals for diving in cold water. The diving reflex is a reduction in heart rate, bradycardia, while diving. The majority of research on the diving reflex has been done on seals. The Weddell seal of Antarctica is a great example. Weddell seals can hold their breath for extended periods (20 minutes to an hour) and can dive to depths of 500 meters. During each dive, heart rate and cardiac output decrease dramatically in the Weddell seal, as blood is shunted away from the extremities and directed to the vital organs.
In this experiment, you will investigate the diving reflex. The test subject’s heart rate will be monitored using an EKG sensor and breath holding will be indicated by using a respiration belt.
Important: The equipment used in this experiment is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose medical conditions.
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Diving Reflex
Get answers to your questions about how to teach this experiment with our support team.
This experiment is #6 of Human Physiology Experiments: Volume 2. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
