diving reflex

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. a reflex of humans, other mammals, reptiles, and birds, triggered by immersion in cold water, that slows the heart rate and diverts blood flow to the brain, heart, and lungs: serves to conserve oxygen until breathing resumes and to delay potential brain damage.

---

Etymology

Origin of diving reflex

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

We share the diving reflex with other air-breathing vertebrates.

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2021

When people plunge into water, they respond with the so-called diving reflex: The heart rate slows and blood vessels constrict as a way to shunt blood to vital organs.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2018

When people plunge into water, they respond with the so-called diving reflex: the heart rate slows and blood vessels constrict as a way to shunt blood to vital organs.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2018

This distinct slowing of the heart is one component of the larger diving reflex that diverts blood to essential organs while submerged.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In mammals, at least, the diving reflex seems to derive from the need of the fetus to survive when oxygen may be cut off during its trip down the birth canal.

From Time Magazine Archive