What does "bends" refer to in the context of diving?

The term "bends" refers to decompression sickness, a condition that occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths where the pressure is significantly higher than at the surface. During a dive, nitrogen from the breathing gas becomes dissolved in body tissues and fluids due to the increased pressure. If a diver ascends rapidly, the pressure decreases, and the dissolved nitrogen can form bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues. These nitrogen bubbles can cause a range of symptoms, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Choosing this answer highlights the understanding that the bends is specifically related to the formation of nitrogen bubbles due to a rapid decrease in pressure, emphasizing the importance of ascent rates and decompression stops in diving practices to prevent such dangerous conditions.