15 Interesting Facts About the Human Body

How often do we stop to consider how extraordinary our bodies are? These complex machines have millions of internal processes happening every second, all working together to keep us alive and well.

Our skin can regenerate itself to heal a papercut. Our tongues allow us to taste the spiciness of homemade salsa. And our eyes see everything from the blue sky to the pink polka dots on a sweater. And those are just a few of the amazing things your body does for you each day.

Here are 15 more mind-blowing facts about our bodies:

1. You had more bones at birth

You probably thought that you’ve always had 206 bones in your body but think again! We’re actually born with 300 bones, and some of those bones fuse together as our bodies grow older and taller.

2. And the award for strongest muscle goes to…

You might be surprised to know that your jaw is actually the strongest muscle in your body.

3. Who needs flashlights?

Your body produces a glimmer of light, but unfortunately it’s invisible to the naked eye.

4. Anybody up for a swim…in spit?

In an average lifetime, a single person produces enough saliva to fill two swimming pools. Gross and fascinating at the same time!

5. The liver could be its own comic book superhero

Your liver is the only organ that can completely regenerate itself. If someone donated his or her liver to someone else, their liver would grow back to its original size again in a few weeks.

6. Small, but mighty

The smallest bones in your body are inside your ear. In fact, they are so small they could all fit on a penny. But without them, you wouldn’t be able to hear a thing.

7. “Alas! Ear wax!”¹

Your ear is self-cleaning because of one thing: ear wax. It’s not just yellow gunk—it keeps your ears clean and protects you from bacteria.

8. Superhuman vision

Did you know your eyes are so powerful they can detect light from a candle flame over 1.7 miles away?

9. The smell of nostalgia

Your sense of smell is closely linked with your memories. Certain smells can trigger very strong emotions and memories almost instantaneously. (Fun fact: Women have a stronger sense of smell than men.)

10. Things that are unique

Forget fingerprints—did you know your tongue print is unique to you? Perhaps this will be a new authentication tool for the next smartphone.

11. Sneezing is your nose’s reset button

Scientists have recently discovered sneezing might be our nose’s way of “rebooting” itself to get rid of all the bad particles we’ve inhaled.

12. Wait…How many miles?

There are over 100,000 miles of blood vessels inside your body. Crazy, right?

13. Your stomach can digest a lot more than just food

The acid in your stomach is so strong that it could dissolve metal. Luckily your stomach lining can tolerate it!

14. Your pinky packs quite the punch

Without your pinky finger, you would lose about 50% of your hand strength. Big things often come in small packages.

15. Another one bites the dust…

For a final interesting, yet disgusting fact: Your body sheds about eight pounds of dead skin a year. And most of those cells settle as the dust in your home.

All in all, your body is amazing. The way it functions is remarkable, and we often take it for granted. Take the time to discover and appreciate all it does for you each day.

What other facts about the human body blow your mind? Tell us on Facebook—we’d love to hear from you. And while you’re here, check out our other articles on healthy living.

References: 
1. Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Bloomsbury, 1997, print.