What does MDR mean?
MDR stands for Mammalian Dive Reflex. It is the physiological response to diving at depth in Sea mammals - Dolphins, Whales, Seals...
In laymans terms - blood moves away from the extremities into the thoracic cavity. Heart rate drops, etc. Red blood cells are released from the spleen due to increased hydrostatic pressure. It kicks in more quickly the colder the water is - receptors in the face when immersed in cold water is what begins the transition into MDR.
HTH,
Edited by freedivers, 14 June 2006 - 03:24 PM.