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2025, Number 4

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Rev Fac Med UNAM 2025; 68 (4)

Physiology of the External Environment Exploring the Physical Basis of Dysbarism and Hypoxia

Martínez-Tapia RJ, Estrada-Rojo F, Estrada-Bernal F, Hernández-Chávez A

Language: Spanish
References: 49
Page: 9-22
PDF size: 408.80 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by the idea of flight, from Greek myths to modern aviation. While technological and economic developments have made flying a routine activity, it also poses significant challenges to the human body due to exposure to extreme environments far removed from the optimal conditions for human life. These environments can induce considerable physiological alterations, many of which present health risks.
This review examines the biophysical foundations underlying decompression disorders (disbarism) and hypoxia, with a focus on their most common clinical manifestations and implications for human health. Decompression disorders, defined as conditions associated with changes in barometric pressure, are governed by the behavior of gases as described by Boyle’s, Dalton’s, and Henry’s laws, as well as by the principles of atmospheric physics. Understanding these laws and their effects on the human body is essential for mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of both passengers and aviation technical personnel. Finally, this knowledge is not only crucial in the context of aviation but also has relevant applications in other fields, such as space exploration and activities conducted in extreme environments.


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