The human body is a complex structure of interconnected systems and vital organs that work day in and day out to fulfill the functions necessary for everyday living. Think about it — to eat, your mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines must work together in sync to break down and digest what you eat, while extracting the nutrients necessary to keep you healthy. While most of us understand the basic bodily functions, you might not be aware of some of the more incredible functions your body carries out. Read on to learn more…..
- 1. The gut is the only organ with its own independent nervous system.
- 2. Our veins, capillaries and arteries would stretch for more than 60,000 miles if laid out flat.
- 3. We lose 200 million skin cells every hour, and these dead skin cells can actually decrease air pollution that can irritate our eyes, nose and throat.
- 4. The cornea is unique in that it has no blood vessels.
- 5. Bacteria in the gut can influence mood. Serotonin in the gut helps reduce depression, regulate anxiety, maintain bone health and facilitate processes such as sleeping, eating and digestion.
- 6. Heart rate and breathing can sync up to the music we're listening to because of the physiological changes in our blood pressure and respiration.
- 7. The brain shrinks during pregnancy to enhance emotion and facial recognition, promote mother-infant bonding, facilitate a mother's ability to recognize the needs of her child and more quickly process social stimuli that may pose a potential threat to her child. It takes an average of 2 years for the brain to return to normal.
