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The Human Body

Eight Things You Didn't Know Contributed by Cheryl Tennant

By Cheryl TennantPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
The Human Body
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Human beings are fascinating creatures. Our bodies are made up of billions of microscopic parts that work together in an organized manner to keep us alive and functioning. These parts are so intricate and complex that they have puzzled scientists for centuries. In this article, we will explore eight things that i am betting you did not know. The human body with its complex and enigmatic universe, replete with laws and mysteries that are yet to be fully understood. One such mystery is the purpose of the groove that runs between our nose and top lip, known as the philtrum. However, there are other vital parts of our bodies that often go unnoticed. For instance, the anatomical snuffbox, a small triangular pit located at the base of the thumb, it is a crucial site where the radial artery can be felt beating. Additionally, the big toe, with its unique shape, plays a crucial role in enabling humans to maintain balance in a standing position, setting us apart from other mammals.

The human body contains numerous small yet significant parts, such as the glabella. This term refers to the patch of skin between the eyebrows, which plays a crucial role in checking reflexes. By tapping a finger on the glabella, one can test their reflexes and observe a slight tension in the eyes, prompting them to blink. Another important part is the frenulum of the tongue, a fold beneath the tongue that fixes it in the mouth and reduces flexibility. This feature prevents Glossip ptosis, which is the spontaneous swallowing of the tongue, particularly vital for newborns who lack body control.

The tragus and anti-tragus are two small bumps in our ears whose names come from the Latin word Tragos, meaning a goat. The tragus amplifies sounds from behind and detects their source, while the anti-tragus performs the same function for sounds originating from the front.

In childhood, many of us undergo a routine surgical operation to remove our tonsils, leading to the belief that they are a rudimentary and unnecessary organ, similar to the appendix. However, this is a misconception. The tonsils serve as the first barrier against bacteria and viruses by secreting lymphocytes. Even after removal, the body still possesses other protective mechanisms, but it is safer to retain the tonsils.

The cuticle, a thick skin patch at the border of the nail and finger, is a familiar term to those who have had a manicure. People often cut their cuticles to enhance the appearance of their hands, but this practice poses a significant risk. The cuticles play a crucial role in protecting our hands from harmful bacteria, which are prevalent in urban areas. If bacteria enter the body through a small wound created by cutting the cuticle, hand washing will not suffice.

Specialists widely agree that the philtrum, a groove between the nose and upper lip, evolved in prehistoric times to amplify smell. While modern humans no longer rely on scent as heavily, the philtrum remains as a reminder of our evolutionary past. Interestingly, doctors can use the shape of an unborn baby's philtrum to assess their health. A malformed philtrum may indicate conditions such as autism.

In conclusion, the human body is a complex and intricate organism made up of billions of microscopic parts. Each part has its own identity and function, but they all work together in an organized manner to keep us alive and functioning. Understanding the different structures that make up the human body is essential for anyone interested in human biology or health sciences. Are there any other captivating facts about the human body worth exploring?

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About the Creator

Cheryl Tennant

Cheryl is a bibliophile who occasionally blogs about her feelings. She would love to interact with you at @be_tween_z_pages

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