Editing Decompression sickness (section)

=== Bubble formation ===
The location of micronuclei or where bubbles initially form is not known.{{r|Papadopoulou 2013}} The most likely mechanisms for bubble formation are [[tribonucleation]], when two surfaces make and break contact (such as in joints), and heterogeneous [[nucleation]], where bubbles are created at a site based on a surface in contact with the liquid. Homogeneous nucleation, where bubbles form within the liquid itself is less likely because it requires much greater pressure differences than experienced in decompression.{{r|Papadopoulou 2013}} The spontaneous formation of nanobubbles on [[hydrophobic]] surfaces is a possible source of micronuclei, but it is not yet clear if these can grow large enough to cause symptoms as they are very stable.{{r|Papadopoulou 2013}}

Once microbubbles have formed, they can grow by either a reduction in pressure or by diffusion of gas into the gas from its surroundings. In the body, bubbles may be located within tissues or carried along with the bloodstream. The speed of blood flow within a blood vessel and the rate of delivery of blood to capillaries ([[perfusion]]) are the main factors that determine whether dissolved gas is taken up by tissue bubbles or circulation bubbles for bubble growth.{{r|Papadopoulou 2013}}