What happens if breathing stops in a human being?

When breathing stops in a human being, the primary and most immediate consequence is that oxygen is no longer being delivered to the body's organs and tissues. Since oxygen is vital for cellular function and survival, prolonged cessation of breathing leads to a critical situation where the cells begin to suffer from hypoxia (lack of oxygen). If this condition continues, irreversible damage occurs to the brain and other vital organs, ultimately leading to death if breathing is not restored promptly.

While dizziness and loss of consciousness may happen as the brain begins to deprive itself of oxygen, these are not the direct outcomes of breathing cessation. It is imperative to note that the body's functions are heavily reliant on oxygen, and without it, the result will ultimately be fatal. Thus, the notion that a person will die is a direct and accurate interpretation of the effects of stopped breathing, confirming that the correct answer is indeed that the person will die.