Final answer:
The mammalian diving reflex includes bradycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction, and a decrease in body temperature, with the collective goal of conserving oxygen and prioritizing blood flow to vital organs during a dive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mammalian diving reflex includes several physiological adaptations that occur in mammals when they submerge in water. The primary adjustments involve a series of responses designed to conserve oxygen and prioritize the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain and heart.
Bradycardia, which is a decrease in heart rate, and peripheral vasoconstriction, which is the constriction of blood vessels in the extremities and skin, are key adaptations of the diving reflex. Peripheral vasoconstriction helps redirect blood flow towards crucial internal organs, thus conserving heat and the oxygen contained in the blood.
Furthermore, there is a decrease in body temperature, known as hypothermia, which slows the metabolism and conserves energy during the dive. While the mammalian diving reflex is most pronounced in aquatic mammals, it is also present in humans and can be triggered by facial contact with cold water.