Eli5: how can free divers hold their breath for so long without causing brain damage?

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If it only takes 4 minutes without oxygen to cause brain damage, how can they stay underwater for 4+ minuets and not hurt themselves.

In: Biology

10 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The brain isn’t without oxygen when they dive, they are relying on residual oxygen in their lungs, blood, and tissues.

Consciousness is very expensive and generally a lack of oxygen will put them to sleep well before permanent brain damage occurs.

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