What effect does nitrogen have on divers' bodies during ascent?

Nitrogen significantly impacts divers during the ascent phase of a dive due to its role in the development of decompression sickness (DCS). As divers descend to greater depths, the pressure increases, allowing the body to absorb more nitrogen from the breathing gas. During ascent, the reduction in pressure causes nitrogen absorbed in body tissues to come out of solution. If this happens too quickly, nitrogen can form bubbles in the blood and tissues, leading to decompression sickness.

To mitigate this risk, divers are trained to ascend gradually, often following specific safety stops, which allows the nitrogen to be safely eliminated from their bodies. Understanding the relationship between nitrogen absorption at depth and the risks associated with ascent is crucial for divers to avoid serious health issues. The other options do not accurately reflect the physiological effects of nitrogen on divers during ascent.