Which system of the body can survive the longest without oxygen?

Question

My husband is taking his first test in EMT-B class and we can not find a definite answer in the book. Can someone please help?

Answer 1

not the respiratory system

Answer 2

No Clue. that's sort of useless question and should not be on that test because when your nervous system dies there's nothing you can do about anything else... so therefore a better question from them to ask is something like "how long can the nervous system live without oxygen?"

But thats besides the point. my guess is muscular system because of anaerobic respiration. But that's my thought....    

Answer 3

Probably not the respiratory system.

Answer 4

I've been an EMT for 19 years, and I can't figure why this question would be asked.  The neuro system would die first, but last?  I don't really know how someone would establish that.  I have seen the renal system recover with over an hour of downtime, though with CPR, and function after being transplanted.  The skin would also be a system, and we can recover skin for transplant almost 24 hours after death.  The musculoskeletal system (bones) survive for years after death.

Try asking your husband's instructor.