‘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](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/092322_cl_whale-brains_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
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