20+ Mysteries About the Human Body You’ve Never Even Thought About
By molly atherton
8 months ago
Despite the strides in medical science and our ever-growing understanding of anatomy and physiology, there remain enigmatic aspects of our bodies that continue to baffle even the most seasoned experts. From the complexities of the brain to the mysteries hidden within our cells, there is a plethora of questions that have yet to find concrete answers. In this journey, we invite you to delve into the astonishing and often perplexing mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our very existence.
You'll have a new skeleton in 10 years
Over the course of roughly 10 years, this regenerative process results in a complete turnover of our bone mass. This means that the skeleton you have today is not the same one you had a decade ago. This renewal not only helps maintain the strength and integrity of our bones but also allows our bodies to adapt to various environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and even injuries.
Image Source: Reddit
Half of the strength in your hand comes from your pinkie finger
The biomechanics of hand function reveal that the pinkie is not merely a passive bystander; rather, it actively supports the thumb in crucial pinching motions. This collaboration between the thumb and pinkie is essential for tasks that require precision and a firm grip, such as picking up small objects or manipulating tools.
Image Source: Reddit
You can’t tickle yourself
When you try to tickle yourself, your brain predicts the exact nature and timing of the sensation based on the motor commands it sends to initiate the movement. This predictive process helps in distinguishing self-induced sensations from those caused by external factors.
Image Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Humans are just as hairy as chimpanzees
In essence, the seemingly disparate levels of hairiness between the two species are not a result of a significant variance in hair density but rather a consequence of the finer and less conspicuous nature of human hair.
Image Source: Reddit
Babies aren’t born with kneecaps
The development of knee caps is a testament to the intricacy of human physiology and the coordinated dance of genetic instructions guiding the growth and maturation of the skeletal system. This process is not an overnight phenomenon but rather a gradual journey that extends into the years of adolescence.
Image Source: Reddit
Everyone has a unique tongue print
The uniqueness of the tongue print lies in the myriad of factors contributing to its individuality. The shape, size, and surface texture of the tongue, along with its sublingual veins and papillae, all contribute to the creation of a distinct and personal identifier.
Image Source: Reddit
Human bones are stronger than steel
The strength of bones is primarily attributed to their unique composition, which combines a rigid mineral matrix, mainly hydroxyapatite crystals, with a flexible protein matrix, predominantly collagen. This amalgamation creates a material that is both sturdy and resilient.
Image Source: Reddit
Stomach acid can dissolve metal
The fascinating research findings highlight the remarkable and potent nature of human stomach acid, unveiling its ability to dissolve metal objects. The implications of such a discovery extend beyond mere curiosity, presenting potential applications in the realm of medicine and toxicology. Understanding the corrosive capabilities of stomach acid could inspire innovative approaches to the removal of ingested foreign bodies or the development of targeted treatments for certain conditions.
Image Source: Freepik
Humans are the only species that cry
While various animals do generate tears, their primary function is limited to serving as a lubricant to maintain moisture in their eyes. In stark contrast, humans uniquely exhibit the phenomenon of shedding tears not just as a physiological necessity but also as a profound emotional response.
Image Source: Reddit
Your tongue is the only muscle in the body only connected to one bone
The intricate design of the human body showcases a fascinating interplay of muscles and bones that enables a wide range of movements. In the majority of cases, muscles are connected to two bones at each end, forming a system that facilitates contraction and relaxation, thereby allowing the body to perform various actions.
Image Source: ResearchGate
Having dirty hair helps the environment
It's almost as if your hair acts as a natural shield, trapping these pollutants and preventing them from making direct contact with your scalp. Now, let's talk about scalp oils — the unsung heroes in this intriguing story.
Image Source: Reddit
The smallest bone in the human body is in your ear
When sound waves reach the ear, the stapes vibrates in response, setting in motion a chain of events that culminate in the conversion of these vibrations into electrical signals interpreted by the brain.
Image Source: Reddit
The human intestine is 4x as long as you are
The significance of this design becomes apparent when considering the small intestine's vital role in the digestive process. Its lengthy structure provides an extensive surface area for nutrient absorption, a crucial function for sustaining the body's energy and overall well-being.
Image Source: Freepik
You’re taller in the morning than you are at night
Throughout the day, this compression causes the cartilage to lose some of its fluid content, leading to a subtle reduction in the overall height of the spine. However, during the night, when we lie down to rest, the pressure on the spine is alleviated.
Image Source: Daily Yogi
Sneezes can travel as far as 20 feet
The human sneeze, it appears, is a force to be reckoned with, showcasing an impressive ability to disperse microscopic droplets across considerable distances. This revelation challenges conventional notions of personal space and raises awareness about the potential transmission of respiratory particles even in seemingly distant settings.
Image Source: MyLondon
A quarter of your bones are in your feet
The muscles in our feet, with their finely tuned coordination, allow us to navigate various terrains, adapt to different surfaces, and maintain balance with an impressive degree of precision.
Image Source: Reddit
Your hair knows your sleeping pattern
Picture this: your hair, a biological archive, could be analyzed to reveal patterns, irregularities, and even subtle shifts in your sleep-wake cycle. This information could be a valuable tool for both medical professionals and individuals seeking to optimize their sleep routines.
Image Source: Reddit
There are no muscles in your fingers
Instead of relying on muscles embedded within the fingers, the grace and agility of finger movements primarily stem from the coordinated efforts of bones and tendons. Picture the fingers as a complex ensemble, with the bones forming a structural framework and the tendons acting as the pulleys that connect muscles from the palms to the fingertips.
Image Source: Reddit
You lose a third of your bones as you get older
As the human body embarks on its incredible odyssey of growth, a transformative process called ossification takes center stage. Ossification, often likened to the gradual sculpting of a masterpiece, involves the fusion of certain bones over time.
Image Source: Essex TV
The largest muscle in your body is the gluteus maximus
Beyond its mechanical significance, the gluteus maximus has garnered attention for its role in maintaining posture and contributing to overall spinal stability. When activated, it helps stabilize the pelvis and supports the spine, playing a crucial role in preventing lower back pain and injuries.
Image Source: Reddit
The hairs in your nose and lungs can ‘taste’ things
These specialized hairs act as sensory receptors, capable of discerning the presence of noxious particles, pollutants, and irritants in the air you inhale. When cilia come into contact with these undesirable elements, they trigger a response that sets off a coordinated and rhythmic sweeping motion.
Image Source: Reddit
Your nails will grow more quickly today than they did yesterday
A key insight into this phenomenon can be found in the evolving dietary habits of the human population. Researchers have meticulously studied the correlation between nail growth and dietary patterns, and a compelling connection has emerged.
Image Source: Reddit
The human liver can grow back to its normal size if it gets damaged
The regenerative process unfolds with precision, driven by the activation of signaling pathways that prompt cell division and proliferation. As hepatocytes divide, they seamlessly replace damaged or lost cells, gradually restoring the liver to its original form and functionality.
Image Source: Freepik
Having a bad posture can affect your memory
When we talk about posture, we're not just referring to the way we sit or stand; it extends to the overall alignment and positioning of our body. The impact of posture on memory recall can be attributed to the intricate interplay between our nervous system, hormonal balance, and cognitive functions.
Image Source: Reddit
The bigger your eyes, the worse your eyesight could be
The eye functions like a sophisticated optical system, wherein light is refracted and focused onto the retina at the back of the eye. In the case of myopia, the eyeball is often longer than usual, causing the focal point of light to fall in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Image Source: Reddit
The human body glows but you can’t see it
The phenomenon of the human body emitting visible light, though imperceptible to the naked eye, adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of the human form. When someone remarks that you have a "glow" about you, they might be unknowingly tapping into a scientific reality that extends beyond mere metaphor.
Image Source: Pinterest
Blinking is the equivalent of having a mini nap
Every time you blink, your eyelids momentarily shield your eyes from the surrounding environment. This brief interruption in visual input allows your brain to divert its focus from external stimuli, providing a micro-moment of rest.
Image Source: Exclusively Eyecare
Your tastebuds get less sensitive as you get older
Interestingly, this age-related decline in taste sensitivity is not uniform across genders. Research suggests that females tend to encounter these changes earlier than their male counterparts. The reasons behind this discrepancy are multifaceted and can be influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
Image Source: Reddit
Our stomach has its own brain
What's truly intriguing is that the enteric nervous system is closely interconnected with the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. The two systems communicate bidirectionally through an extensive network of nerves, hormones, and neurotransmitters.
Image Source: Pinterest
Humans have more than five senses
We’ve all heard the term of having a ‘sixth sense’ but this term is scientifically incorrect because humans have more than five senses anyway! Alongside vision, smell, hearing, touch and taste, humans also have something called ‘nociception’ which is the sense of pain and up to 27 others.
Image Source: Today I Found Out
One such sense is nociception, which refers to our capacity to perceive pain. This sense plays a crucial role in alerting us to potential harm and ensuring our survival. Beyond nociception, researchers have identified numerous other senses that contribute to our perception of the world around us.
The whole of our skin is replaced each month
Contemplating the idea that in just one month, our bodies undergo a remarkable transformation, resulting in an entirely new layer of skin, is indeed a fascinating and somewhat surreal notion. The intricate and continuous process of cell turnover ensures that our outermost protective barrier, the skin, is in a constant state of renewal.
Image source/ Reddit
It's a very strange thought to think that next month, we will have an entirely new skin. Our cells are shedding and replacing so often that it only takes around a month for all of the skin cells to have been replaced by entirely new ones. Meaning in an average life we have around 1,000 completely new skins!Each minute we shed around 30,000 dead skin cells
So, where does all this accumulated debris go? It settles on surfaces, creating the familiar layer of dust that coats shelves, tables, and corners. Dust bunnies lurking under furniture and on top of cabinets are, in essence, miniature mausoleums for the remnants of our skin's past.
Image source/ Reddit
This sounds cool until you realise where those skin cells are going. So if you've ever wondered where all the dust in your house comes from and why you have to hoover so often - here's the answer. The majority of dust is our dead skin. Pretty gross right?Your appendix hasn't lost its function after all!
Contrary to the common misconception that appendixes are vestigial organs with no significant purpose, recent scientific research has shed light on their potential importance in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Image source/ Reddit
The thing we tend to know about appendixes is that they lost their use a LONG time ago and now they're in our bodies occasionally getting infected and causing appendicitis before having to be removed. Wrong. They are actually important in maintaining healthy gut bacteria.Females contain way more DNA than males
The disparity in the size and complexity of the X and Y chromosomes translates to a significant distinction in the overall genetic content between males and females. In essence, women possess a greater abundance of genetic material, often referred to as 'information,' owing to the presence of two expansive and intricate X chromosomes.
Image source/ geneticliteracy
Females contain two X chromosomes, whereas males only contain one X, along with a Y chromosome. But the X chromones carry a lot more DNA in them than Y. They are much more complex. This means that women contain a lot more DNA or 'information' than males do.You blink around 20 times a minute
Delving deeper into the numbers, the average person blinks around 20 times per minute, which accumulates to a staggering 1,200 times per hour. Over the course of a day, this amounts to a remarkable 28,800 blinks.
Image source/ Reddit
That is a serious amount of blinking, and it equates to blinking once every 3 seconds which sounds like a lot but on average this is correct. That is the equivalent of over 10 million times a year! So essentially, we spend a lot of time with our eyes closed...The tongue is covered in around 8,000 taste buds
Whether it's the subtle sweetness of a ripe fruit, the savory richness of a well-seasoned dish, or the fiery kick of a spicy creation, our taste buds are the unsung heroes that transform mere ingredients into a sensory masterpiece.
Image source/ Reddit
Think about when you taste something salty or spicy and your tastebuds go into overdrive. This is why, because we have 8,000 taste buds helping us taste our food and allowing us to try our culinary delights. These taste buds are each made up of around 200 cells.Goosebumps are a feature of our ancestral past
Humans, despite lacking a dense fur coat, still retain this instinctive response. When we experience fear or extreme emotions, the arrector pili muscles contract, causing goosebumps. This is a physiological echo of our ancestral past, a reminder of the times when our survival depended on our ability to convey strength and resilience in the face of danger.
Image source/ CBC
Have you ever wondered why we get goosebumps? Of course there's the reason of fluffing up our fur to trap in heat when we are cold. But goosebumps can also be produced by a motion. When animals get scared they fluff up their hair to look more threatening. We still do this, without the excessive fur.On average, we produce a cupful of 'snot' a day
Consider the unsuspecting nose – an organ often overlooked in its intricate workings. No longer will you view this facial feature through the same lens. Every nose becomes a factory, quietly and consistently producing a daily quota of mucus that, until now, may have gone unnoticed in the grand scheme of bodily functions.
Image source/ Reddit
Here's a fact that you definitely did not need to know, and probably wish you didn't now. Because now you do, you can probably never forget this. A cupful of nasal mucus is produced on average daily. You'll never be able to look at a nose in the same way again.The only muscle that never gets tired is your heart
Gratitude is owed to the heart's relentless commitment, for it diligently undertakes its vital role without respite. With each pulsation, it propels life-sustaining blood throughout the vast network of arteries and veins, ensuring the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to every corner of our body.
Image source/ Reddit
The only muscle in our entire body to never ever tire is our heart. And thank goodness it does not, our heart is working constantly each second, every day for the entirety of our lives. No other muscle can continue without the proper rest and recovery!The body has 2.5 millions sweat pores
Sweating is a remarkably efficient and essential mechanism for maintaining our internal balance. As we engage in physical activities, heat is generated within our muscles, prompting the body to initiate the cooling process through perspiration. This natural cooling system involves the secretion of a saline solution through the sweat glands, which then evaporates on the skin's surface, effectively dissipating excess heat.
Image source/ Reddit
Think about this one next time you're doing a workout and wondering why you are sweating so much. We are covered in 2.5 million sweat pores which basically allows sweat to ooze out from pretty much every single part of our body. But it's a very important way to cleanse our bodies!Viral genes are now incorporated into our DNA
Over the course of evolution, some retroviruses have integrated their DNA into the germ cells of our ancestors, which are the cells involved in reproduction. This means that the viral DNA became a heritable part of the genetic material transmitted from one generation to the next.
Image source/ Reddit
Not all our DNA is developed from our ancestors, we now have new DNA that has essentially developed from 'retro viruses' which have included viral DNA in our genes and they are now an important part of our genetic makeup, for example our reproduction.There's more bacteria in us than 'human'
In essence, we are symbiotic organisms, coexisting with trillions of bacteria that make up our microbiome. Rather than being a threat, many of these bacteria are beneficial, contributing to our overall well-being in various ways. The symbiotic relationship between humans and their microbial companions is a testament to the complexity of the biological systems that define our existence.
Image source/ Reddit
It's probably a very unsettling thought for many people to discover that we actually have more bacteria inside our bodies than we do have 'human' elements, such as the atoms that make us up. In fact there's around 10 times more bacteria. But, a lot of this is beneficial!A woman's eggs already exist when their mother is born
The notion that a woman's eggs, the very building blocks of future life, were already present within her mother's body when her mother herself was born is nothing short of mind-blowing. It's as if the potential for future generations is subtly woven into the fabric of existence from the very beginning.
Image source/ Reddit
The body is extremely complex and clever. To think that a woman's eggs already existed inside of her mother when her mother was born is mind-blowing. So the eggs that a woman is currently carrying were already in existence inside your mother when she was born!Genes are only 3% of our DNA
Indeed, while DNA plays a pivotal role in shaping our biological characteristics and predispositions, it represents only a fraction of the intricate tapestry that determines who we are. The interplay between genetics and environment, known as nature versus nurture, underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of human development.
Image source/ Reddit
There is another 975 of DNA which are made up of other things that are equally important in controlling how we are and who we are. It is a very common myth to believe that the majority of us is made up and decided by DNA. There are many other factors involved in our development, some of which are not understood yet.We are guided more by our unconscious brain than we think
Consider the scenario where we contemplate an action before executing it. In that seemingly contemplative moment, our unconscious brain is already in motion, laying the groundwork for the decision before it materializes in our conscious awareness. It's as if the subconscious mind has its own agenda, silently influencing and shaping our choices.
Image source/ Reddit
We probably think that each decision we make is because of our conscious thoughts. But actually, even when we think about doing something and then do it, often our unconscious brain was already ticking over and acting before you made that decision. They are responsible for a lot of our brain activity.Our vision isn't so accurate
Rather than functioning as passive cameras capturing an unaltered image of the external world, our eyes act as data collectors, gathering information about the light, colors, and shapes present in our environment. It is the brain's subsequent task to assemble this raw data into a coherent and meaningful visual experience.
Image source/ Reddit
We think that what our eyes see is solid proof. However our brain does something very clever in using information to construct our vision, rather than seeing EXACTLY what is there. Otherwise things would look a lot more unsteady due to light production etc...Half of the population have eyelash mites
Picture this: as you go about your day, these minuscule arachnids, measuring only a fraction of a millimeter, may be quietly residing at the base of your eyelashes, feeding on the oils and dead skin cells. The fact that approximately half of the global population hosts these microscopic creatures might be surprising, yet the majority of individuals remain blissfully unaware of their presence.
Image source/ Reddit
If there's one thing we don't want to imagine, it's the fact that there's mites crawling around in our eyelashes. What a repulsive thought. But percentage wise it's very likely that we have them. Around half the population have them. You'd most likely never even know.It's true, your nose and ears never stop growing!
While the idea of bodily transformations might evoke apprehension, it's crucial to emphasize the insignificance of these shifts. They occur on such a minor scale that they often escape notice, allowing us to carry on with our daily lives without being burdened by the thought of noticeable physical changes.
Image source/ Reddit
We've all heard it, and we are afraid to say that no, this is not a myth! It is indeed true. Which, really is not what a lot of people want to hear. But these changes are very small. In fact, most people would never be able to notice that their ears and noses have enlarged much at all.We are made of 7 OCTILLION atoms
Atoms, the fundamental building blocks of matter, are incredibly minuscule entities, and yet, they are the elemental components that constitute everything in our tangible world.
