13.12.2012 Views

The Complete Book of Spaceflight: From Apollo 1 to Zero Gravity

The Complete Book of Spaceflight: From Apollo 1 to Zero Gravity

The Complete Book of Spaceflight: From Apollo 1 to Zero Gravity

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

190 hypoxia<br />

hypoxia<br />

Oxygen deficiency in blood cells or tissues in such a degree<br />

as <strong>to</strong> cause psychological and physiological disturbances.<br />

Hypoxia may result from a scarcity <strong>of</strong> oxygen in the air<br />

being breathed or from the inability <strong>of</strong> the body’s tissues<br />

<strong>to</strong> absorb oxygen under conditions <strong>of</strong> low barometric pres-<br />

sure. It produces a variety <strong>of</strong> reactions in the body, from<br />

mild in<strong>to</strong>xication and stimulation <strong>of</strong> the nervous system<br />

<strong>to</strong> progressive loss <strong>of</strong> attention and judgment, unconsciousness,<br />

and eventual brain damage. <strong>The</strong> continuing<br />

physiological requirement for oxygen is a critical consideration<br />

in high-altitude flight and in spaceflight.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!