News Animals

‘Wonderful nets’ of blood vessels protect dolphin and whale brains during dives

These networks in cetaceans, known as retia mirabilia, have been a long-standing mystery

photo of six gray sperm whales diving down from the ocean surface

Sperm whales (shown) dive far underwater looking for food. Dense, intricate networks of blood vessels allow the animals to accomplish the feat without harming their brains.

by wildestanimal/Moment/Getty Images Plus

By Claudia López Lloreda

- More than 2 years ago

If you look at parts of the circulatory system of whales and dolphins, you might think that you are looking at a Jackson Pollock painting, not blood vessels.