In the context of diving, what does the term 'decompression sickness' refer to?

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," primarily refers to the condition arising from bubbles forming in the body's tissues and bloodstream due to rapid ascent after being at high pressure. When divers are subjected to increased pressure while underwater, nitrogen from the breathing gas is absorbed into the body tissues. If a diver ascends too quickly, the pressure drops rapidly, and the nitrogen that was dissolved in the body can form bubbles, leading to various symptoms, which can be mild or severe.

Understanding this condition is critical for divers, as it underscores the importance of gradual ascent and adherence to decompression schedules. Proper ascent rates allow the nitrogen to safely escape from the body without forming harmful bubbles, thus preventing decompression sickness.