How exactly does water pressure shrink your lungs?

Question

I understand that gases compress under pressure, unlike liquids and solids. So, when you are at deep levels, the gases in your lungs are compressed by the pressure, and the lungs become smaller. But how exactly does the water pressure “reach” the lungs, given that there is so much in between, such as ribs, tissues, skin, etc.? So, the gases inside your lungs are compressed because the lungs shrink. What makes the lungs shrink?

Do I understand it correctly that the water pressure pushes on your suit, which pushes on your skin, which pushes on your bones and all the way through? Does this mean that you become physically smaller deep underwater?

In: 10

Answer 1

Yes, you do get physically smaller under deep water just like you would if an elephant sat on your chest.