Throughout a human’s life, numerous shifts and transformations occur.
Locations of residence, places of employment, and circles of companionship might alter, but one consistent element is the physical vessel individuals carry themselves in.
While many humans regularly observe their reflections and understand their exterior facade, many remain largely unaware of the complex and impressive mechanisms functioning within their frame.
Presented here are 10 compelling and perhaps lesser-known facts about the intricate system known as the human body.
The Human Heart Can Squirt Blood 30 Feet
“The heart is the chief feature of a functioning mind.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
The heart holds a significant position among the organs of the human body, given its role in circulating blood rapidly and effectively to sustain life.
This demands remarkable strength and the generation of substantial pressure.
This organ, often associated with emotions, showcases its raw physical strength by potentially propelling blood up to 30 feet.
The potency of the human heart might astonish many, as it can exert a force sufficient to propel blood as far as an astounding 30 feet; equivalent to the span of a two-story bus.
Humans Have as Much Hair as a Chimpanzee
Although humans may be seen as ‘naked apes’ compared to their closest living relatives, there are actually as many hairs per square inch on a human body as there are on a chimpanzee.
The canvas of human skin, although appearing polished, conceals a hidden tapestry as rich as human's primate cousins.
The human body is actually covered in hair from head to toe but many of the hairs are so fine or lightly coloured that they are not visible to the human eye.
Humans haven’t always looked this way though but have gradually thinned their body hair as they have evolved.
Your Nose and Ears Never Stop Growing
It may be hard to believe but your nose and ears actually continue to grow throughout your whole life.
Your eyes stop growing once you are a full grown adult but your ears and nose continue to change as you get older.
The changes are only very small and it is believed that they occur in a 7 year cycle.
The next time you glimpse your reflection, ponder: what tales do your ever-changing features whisper to the world?
Another crazy feature about the nose is the fact that you can always see it, it’s just that your brain chooses to ignore it.
To test this theory, hold one hand over one eye and you should be able to see the tip of your nose.
Go back to a two eye view and it’s gone!
Your Stomach Acid Can Dissolve Razor Blades
The human stomach contains acid in order to help the digestion of the food that is eaten.
This acid is capable of breaking down more than just pizza and chips though; it is so strong that it is actually capable of dissolving a razor blade.
Who needs alchemy when human's very being carries the secret of dissolving steel?
Hydrochloric stomach acid is incredibly powerful and is actually capable of eating through a number of different metals…, although we strongly recommend you do not test this theory out for yourselves!
The stomach copes with the powerful acid by creating a new stomach wall every 3-4 days to stop the acid from dissolving it completely.
The Human Body Has Thousands Miles of Blood Vessels
You may already know that the human body has thousands of blood vessels that carry the blood from organ to organ around the body.
What you may not know is just how long these blood vessels would stretch if they were laid out in a row.
This extensive circuitry, if unraveled, could encircle the Earth not once but twice, with miles still in reserve.
It is believed the average human body has around 60,000 miles of blood vessels!
When you take into account the earth’s circumference is around 25,000 miles, that means the blood vessels in a human body would stretch around the world twice, with some room still to spare!
There Is More Bacteria in Your Body than Human Cells
“Support bacteria – they’re the only culture some people have.”
Steven Wright
It is a scary thought but your body actually has around 10 times more bacteria in it than actual human cells.
Although this may sound alarming, much of this bacteria is ‘friendly’ and actually helps the body to function.
Before pondering outer space, dive into the universe within, where bacterial stars outnumber human constellations.
The bacteria found in the stomach, for example, actually helps with digestion by breaking food down.
It is thought that a human could live with no bacteria in their body but they would be more susceptible to disease and have to live on a special high-nutrient diet.
Nerve Impulses Are Faster than an F1 Car
If you’ve ever wondered why a cut finger hurts straight away or why you instantly blink when something gets in your eye, it is all down to the nerve impulses sending messages to and from your brain.
These messages are relayed to and from the brain at an incredible rate; just think how quickly you move your hand away if it gets burnt on an oven.
Nerve impulses: the unsung champions of speed, leaving Formula 1 cars eating their metaphorical dust.
Nerve impulses travel at up to an incredible 250mph; even an F1 Race Car would struggle to reach those kinds of speeds!
A Cold Room Can Could Mean Nightmares
“Nightmares end. That’s how you know they’re nightmares.”
Kami Garcia
If you find that you regularly suffer from nightmares, it may be worth considering turning the heat up.
Research has shown that humans are more likely to suffer from nightmares when sleeping in cold conditions.
Scientists aren’t sure why this occurs but studies have shown a definite link.
As the cold seeps in, be prepared for a nocturnal carnival of eerie dreams.
Another surprising fact about sleep is that the brain is actually more active during the night than the day.
You would logically think that the brain would be busy while you’re awake and rest during sleep but research has shown that the night is when it’s at its most active!
The Speedy Sneeze
People are always taught to cover their mouths when they sneeze and there is a good reason for this.
A human sneeze travels out of your mouth at an incredible 100mph and is full of germs and bacteria.
The familiar "achoo" is more than just a sound; it's an explosion of speed and microorganisms.
If you don’t cover your mouth then these germs can be spread an awful long way and to an awful lot of people.
The same rules apply for coughing, although a human cough can’t quite match the speedy sneeze, as coughs leave your mouth at around 60mph. Who knew the mouth is so quick!
We Are Swimming in Saliva
Saliva is crucial in ensuring that your bodies work properly.
It is used to help the digestive process and also plays a key role in keeping the mouth lubricated.
Humans produce a lot of saliva each day but the amount produced over a lifetime is quite shocking.
Amidst the waves of speech, lies an ocean of saliva, enough to fill Olympic-sized dreams.
The average human produces enough saliva over their lives to fill not one but two swimming pools!
That isn’t as disgusting an image as it might seem as around 99.5% of human saliva is water.
We still wouldn’t fancy a dip in it though!
Your body: the ultimate oddity showcase
The human body—a marvel of engineering that can squirt blood like a horror movie special effect, grow hair like a chia pet, and host more bacteria than a dive bar’s bathroom. It’s a biological wonderland that’s both awe-inspiring and, let’s face it, a bit gross.
But let’s not forget, this biological amusement park also comes with its own set of quirks that make us question the sanity of Mother Nature.
So , when you’re contemplating the mysteries of the universe, remember: you’re a walking, talking collection of oddities that could give Ripley’s Believe It or Not a run for its money.
And who knows, maybe your body’s next trick will be growing a third arm—just think of the multitasking possibilities!
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