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The Last Thousand Feet on Everest: Physiological Aspects

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Abstract

A MOUNTAINEER at rest on the North Col of Mount Everest (bar. 335 mm.) probably consumes nearly. the same amount of oxygen as at sea-level. This amount, 250-350 c.c. S.T.P. per minute, is required for the maintenance metabolism of muscle tonus, the resting heat production and the work of breathing and the heart beat. If a mountaineer ever rests on the summit of Everest (bar. 240 mm.), even there he will probably consume nearly the same amount. On any less, anywhere, he would die.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yale University,

    YANDELL HENDERSON

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  1. YANDELL HENDERSON
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HENDERSON, Y. The Last Thousand Feet on Everest: Physiological Aspects. Nature 143, 921–923 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/143921a0

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