NLS Q22: Breathing stops in 2-3 min if the brain is deprived of oxygen. Select one: a. True b. False Incorrect Feedback The respiratory centre that normally controls our breathing is dependent on oxygen. During prolonged hypoxia it ceases to function after a couple of minutes or so. Breathing ceases and the fetus (or baby) enters the period of absent respiration called "primary apnoea” and this is followed by a period of (agonal) gasps and then finally "terminal apnoea”. NOTE: The gasps between the periods of primary and terminal apnoea do not constitute 'breathing'.