Why does breathing involuntarily recover after a delay?

Breathing is a very important process. We can live without gas exchange for about 10-15 minutes. But after 6 minutes without oxygen, non-reversible processes of brain cell death begin. If we hold our breath, then in 1-2 minutes we will exhale and restore our breathing. The breathing process is regulated by the medulla oblongata. If for some reason there is no breathing, this part of the brain will send a signal to the muscles and restore the respiratory process. This is a protective reflex, since we do not breathe at a conscious level and do not think about it.