Amazing facts about the human body

The human body, a fascinating machine

Our body is a complex and wonderful machine, capable of feats we don't even suspect. Behind the simplest functions lie astonishing phenomena. Here are some facts that will make you see your body in a different way.

The brain, the greediest organ

Did you know that the brain, although it only accounts for 2% of body mass, consumes 20% of the energy we produce? This organ is a true power plant. It needs a lot of fat to function, making it the fattest organ in the body, composed of 60% fat. To keep it healthy, it is essential to provide it with essential fatty acids, such as those found in nuts and fish.

We are taller when we wake up

It's a surprising fact, but we are taller in the morning than at bedtime. Throughout the day, gravity and the weight of the body compress the cartilage discs in the spine, causing us to lose up to 1 centimeter. At night, when we are lying down, the discs decompress, and we return to our original height. It is a natural phenomenon that reminds us of the force of gravity on our bodies.

The bones of babies, a story of fusion

A baby has about 300 bones at birth, while an adult has only 206. What happens to the others? As we grow, some bones fuse together. For example, the bones of the skull are not yet fused at birth, which facilitates childbirth and allows the brain to develop. The bones of the knee, called "kneecaps," are not yet ossified. They are made of cartilage, which is softer and more flexible.

Only one bone not connected to the body

Among the 206 bones in the human body, there is one that is unique. It is the hyoid bone, a small U-shaped bone located in the neck. It is the only bone in the body that is not connected to another bone. It is held in place by muscles and ligaments. It plays a crucial role in swallowing and speaking. It is also very important in forensic medicine, as its fracture can indicate strangulation.