What does "the bends" refer to in diving?

"The bends," also known as decompression sickness, refers specifically to a condition that occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at deeper depths. During a dive, the body absorbs nitrogen from the air we breathe, and this nitrogen is stored in bodily tissues. If a diver ascends rapidly, the pressure decreases quickly, and the nitrogen that was previously dissolved in the body's tissues can come out of solution and form bubbles. These bubbles can cause pain, damage tissues, and lead to serious health complications if not managed properly.

This condition illustrates the importance of adhering to safe ascent rates and the practice of decompression stops during the ascent. The other choices, while related to diving or underwater activities, do not accurately represent the phenomenon known as "the bends." A controlled and slow ascent is crucial for preventing decompression sickness, and techniques for underwater navigation do not involve rapid ascents, nor do they pertain to the bends. Additionally, symptoms related to cold water exposure, while also important for divers to understand, are not linked to nitrogen absorption or bubble formation.