Survival in extreme conditions is not about running for cover, or coming up for air, but rather in many instances working within the confines of the environment and instead suppressing bodily function. Yogis do it, seals do it, even sleeping bears do itthat is, alter their physiology in order to survive. This physiology of survival is explored here, including its evolution and varied manifestations across the animal kingdom. In the course of exploration over the years, researchers in comparative physiology have discovered fascinating and unanticipated commonalities. One might not expect to find a common theme relating the physiological reactions of seals, and yogis, and the comparisons extend even further afield, to hibernating animals, infants during birth, near-drowning victims, and clams at low tide. The common threads linking this unlikely mix of animals and situations are shared reactions to unfavorable environments, reactions that include lowering energetic requirements and retreating into states of depressed metabolism. Scrutiny of these diverse examples reveals some suggestive insights into the biology of survival and well-being. Animals in these withdrawn states are less dependent upon their customary levels of oxygen consumption, temporarily lessening their need for that life-sustaining resource. Instead they rely upon temporary strategic retreats of reduced metabolism, later resuming normal activity when conditions become more favorable. These states, and also the regulatory functions, including the neural and endocrine, that integrate to maintain equilibrium in altered environments or in temporarily challenging situations are examined. Breath-hold diving and its inevitable progressive asphyxia, often with cold exposure and swimming exercise that may accompany underwater submergence, comprises an assault on the ordinary homeostatic condition of the animal. These encounters, for which seals and other marine mammals are well adapted (but humans less so) alter resting equilibrium, and entail remarkable physiological orchestration."
Since the first edition of the Handbook on Drowning in 2005, many epidemiological data have confirmed the burden of drowning in several parts of the world. Studies have increased the understanding of effective drowning prevention strategies, rescue techniques and treatment options. Much has been learned about submersion and immersion hypothermia, SCUBA-diving injuries, the life-saving preparations of water-related disasters and how to deal with forensic investigations. In this updated second edition, experts from around the world provide a complete overview of current research data, consensus statements and expert opinions. The book Drowning provides evidence-based practical information and has a unique informative value for various groups with tasks, duties and responsibilities in this domain. In addition, the book may be an inspiration for future networks and research initiatives.
Analysing the physiological adaptations of marine mammals and seabirds, this book provides a comprehensive overview of what allows these species to overcome the challenges of diving to depth on a single breath of air. Through comparative reviews of texts on diving physiology and behaviour from the last seventy-five years, Ponganis combines this research into one succinct volume. Investigating the diving performance of marine mammals and seabirds, this book illustrates how physiological processes to extreme hypoxia and pressure are relevant to the advancement of our understanding of basic cellular processes and human pathologies. This book underscores the biomedical and ecological relevance of the anatomical, physiological and molecular/biophysical adaptations of these animals to enable further research in this area. An important resource for students and researchers, this text not only provides an essential overview of recent research in the field, but will stimulate further research into the behaviour and physiology of diving.
Over 1900 references to literature published mostly from 1962 through Sept., 1969. Covers journals, reports, monographs, symposia, patents, and a few Russian newspaper items. Most of the 1129 articles were from semi-popular journals. Alphabetical arrangement by author. Permuted subject index, author index.