National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

The cells of the brain are irreversibly damaged after what duration without oxygen?

2-3 minutes
4-6 minutes
7-9 minutes
10-12 minutes

The correct answer is: 4-6 minutes

The brain cells are particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, or hypoxia. After just a few minutes without an adequate supply of oxygen, these cells begin to sustain damage. Research indicates that after 4-6 minutes of oxygen deprivation, irreversible damage occurs to neurons in the brain. Within this timeframe, the biochemical processes that support cell viability begin to fail, leading to cell death. This level of sensitivity is why rapid intervention is crucial in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Restoring oxygen supply as quickly as possible can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery. Timing is critical; while some tissues in the body may tolerate longer durations without oxygen, the brain's unique metabolic demands and structure make it particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical response during such incidents.