Adaptations to altitude Inca Empire

sacsayhuamán, inca stronghold of cusco

incas able adapt high-altitude living through successful acclimatization, characterized increasing oxygen supply blood tissues. native inca living in andean highlands, achieved through development of larger lung capacity, , increase in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, , capillary beds.

compared other humans, incas had slower heart rates, one-third larger lung capacity, 2 l (4 pints) more blood volume , double amount of hemoglobin, transfers oxygen lungs rest of body. while conquistadors may have been taller, inca had advantage of coping extraordinary altitude.