Showing titles in Anatomy & Physiology

If you've ever blown a snot rocket, had a cold, or picked your nose, you know that your nose is capable of amazing things.

What causes itches, and how does scratching stop it? This Q & A explains what tells your brain you have an itch and how long to scratch.

The Director of the Sinus Center at Johns Hopkins University explains why our noses start to run in cold weather.

To understand what it means to be color-blind, you must first understand how most of us see color.

In this engrossing Q & A, you'll learn why some people have red hair. It's related to what type of genes you have.

Humans are such experts at laughing that we can distinguish a fake laugh from a real one. But why do we laugh?

Each food has its own special flavor. Why is it so easy for you to tell so many foods apart?

Different organs inside the human body take turns arguing why they are the best organ of all.

The brain is your body's control center. It collects signals from your senses, thinks and decides, and sends signals that tell your body what to do. Each part of the brain has a special job, and they all work together as you think.

Did you know if you break a bone, the bone can repair itself? You'll need to visit the doctor to have your broken bone set in a cast, while your body is hard at work repairing the injury! The moment you fall, blood from your injury sends signals to cells to start building new bone–the process of repairing is on its way! Do you know what your body makes to create new bone?

Do you know how the anatomy of the eye allows us to see colors? Learn about the part of the eye called cones. Cones are like sensors that detect colors. The more cones a person or animal has, the more colors the eye perceives. Can you guess if your pets see you in full color, or if you see your pets in full colors?

Dogs are amazing creatures with amazing bodies! Discover how fur protects their delicate skin, and which body parts gives them balance. Did you know dogs can wiggle their ears in many directions? Learn more facts about dogs and how their unique anatomy is different from other animals.

Have you ever wondered how your body grows? Learn about how your cells and DNA help your bones and body grow into a healthy adult. See how our bodies grow the way that they do and how they know when to stop!

The nose helps your body do more than just sniff and smell yummy foods! Without your nose, your favorite foods won't taste as good, your lungs won't have the warm air needed to stay healthy, and germs from outside your body will have an easier route in! Did you know your body makes mucus to wash away germs that find their way in your body? Discover how fabulous your nose really is!

Have you ever wondered how your senses work? Learn about the interesting ways your senses allow you to perceive the world around you by doing the fun tests with some friends! Learn about how your sense of smell and taste are affected by completing these fun activities!

Did you know your eyelids close and open 10 to 20 times a minute! Your eyes have parts that work together. The pupil lets light into your eyes. The iris controls how much light gets in. The cornea, a bowl-shaped layer, covers and protects your eyeballs. Discover how hairs on your eyelashes protect your eyes from germs and dirt, and other ways your eyes help you see and keep you safe!

Do you know how your ears can hear? Did you know they’re responsible for other things, too? For one thing, they keep you balanced on your feet! Learn about the anatomy of your ear and how its structure allows you to hear all the different noises you experience every day.

Tiny creatures called microbes live in, and on your body that can be helpful. But some are bad like bacteria and viruses–in fact, they can make you sick! Your body needs medicine called antibiotics to fight and kill these germs so you can feel better. You must get a different medicine called a vaccine to keep from catching a virus.

Germs are everywhere and make your body sick. Never fear–the body is a germ-fighting machine designed to fight these intruders and keep you healthy. If you get a cut, blood clumps together to stop bleeding. Mucus, the sticky goo in your nose, catches germs to help you sneeze them out. Eyelashes and eyelids form tears that block some germs! Discover ways the body fights to keep germs out.

Have you ever been sick with strep throat? It's an illness caused by bacteria that gives you a painful sore throat! Learn how doctors can diagnose it by your symptoms and a test, and how medicine can cure strep throat so you can get better. Be sure to take all of the medicine until its gone if you have strep. You might even impress your doctor on your next visit with your new knowledge!