How does oxygen affect brain size?

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Oxygen plays a critical role in brain development and size. highlights how oxygen intake is facilitated by the structure of the diaphragm, which helps achieve efficient oxygen absorption essential for brain development. This efficient oxygen uptake through the diaphragm is crucial for maintaining the high oxygen demand of large mammals' brains, including humans. The constant demand for oxygen by the brain supports its health and capability, influencing its larger size compared to other mammals who may not have a diaphragm or similar efficient breathing mechanisms 1.

Oxygen and Brain Size

Jack Feldman explains how the diaphragm plays a crucial role in increasing oxygen uptake and sustaining normal metabolism, which is essential for developing a large brain that has a continuous demand for oxygen. He also discusses the challenges of changing breathing patterns during development and how the neural control of breathing is more complex than vision science.

Huberman Lab

Dr. Jack Feldman: Breathing for Mental & Physical Health & Performance | Huberman Lab Podcast #54
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