A medical condition where air bubbles enter blood vessels and block blood flow, occurring in pilots, divers, and astronauts due to pressure changes.
From aero- (air) and embolism (blockage of a blood vessel). The term was coined in the 19th century as aviation medicine developed and doctors recognized this serious risk.
Aeroembolism is why fighter pilots and astronauts undergo strict decompression protocols—air bubbles in the blood can cause paralysis or death, and pilots call it 'the bends' even though it's the same condition as in deep-sea diving!
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