Biology Stack Exchange
Biology Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [human-anatomy]

This tag is for questions about the general anatomical features of human beings as opposed to the anatomy of non-human animals.

This tag is for questions about the general biological structure of human beings as opposed to the anatomy of non-human animals, zootomy. Questions of should be tagged accordingly.

See also , , and

560 questions
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Why do we have two kidneys but one liver?

Both the liver and the kidneys are involved in "cleaning" our blood. But why we have one liver and two kidneys? I can just as well imagine that we have two livers and one kidney. Is this just a coincidence?
Deschele Schilder
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Average dimensions of the human back (anthropometry)

I am wondering if anyone can point me to (a scientific source that provides) the estimates of the dimensions (length x width) of the human back? I am specifically interested in the dimensions (length * width, or surface) of the lower back of the…
AliceD
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Why do we have two of some organs, but not all?

We have two eyes, but we don't have two hearts. Why do humans have two of some organs, but not all?
user10246
11
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Coincidence that navel is near the womb?

The attachment point of the umbilical cord in a baby girl is very close to where her own baby would develop. Is there something in the evolutionary history of mammals that explains this, or some anatomical constraint? Or is it just a coincidence?
tim_hutton
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Does the human hand have 27 degrees of freedom?

I have counted the degrees of freedom in my hand over and over and I keep getting the number 19. Suppose each finger has 3 degrees of freedom. Then 5 * 3 = 15. The wrist can rotate around or back and forth so that contributes to 4 degrees of…
Fraïssé
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Mechanism of Tear Gas (chloropicrin/Trichloro methane)

Tear gas (CCl3NO2) makes people cry, and crying doesn't seem to be a simple procedure. There has to be a triggering process somewhere. Can someone explain its mechanism / how it works?
Ashu
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5
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What is the basis for the determining sex from position of adult pelvis?

I've read that a person with enough knowledge of anatomy can tell the difference between a "woman" who is a slim man that is very good with makeup and an actual woman. They usually claim to be able to tell the difference between the two by certain…
anon
5
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Can someone who cannot talk still whistle?

Can someone who has a damaged larynx, which does not allow them to talk, still create a tune when they whistle? I know that the larynx is what allows a person to manipulate their pitch and volume, but whistling sounds are just air making a noise as…
Mike.C.Ford
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What is the depression between bridge of nose and brow called?

In a human being, what is the depression often found between the bridge of the nose and the brow called?
Imprisoned Rhesus
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Is it possible to move your arms above your head when handcuffed in the back?

This move was seen in Pitch Black and i wonder if it is possible at all. Say you are handcuffed to a pole, hands in the back, and the pôle is a little higher than your head. You just want to do a complete loop with your hands, going above your head,…
Gil Sand
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Accurate Human Skull Model for Educational Purpose

I want to buy a model of Human skull for education purpose. However, I really want a very accurate model and at a decent price. I got the info that many of the available skulls in the market are not accurate. Can anyone suggest me one? Also I want…
gpuguy
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What is the ratio of head to waist and waist to floor of the human anatomy?

I'm trying to find the ratio of upper body to lower body. That is, the ratio of the length of the waist to the head over the length of the waist to the floor. It's been harder to track down a readable outline of the ratios of the human body than I…
davidparks21
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Difference between Appendix and the Cecum?

What's the difference between an appendix and a cecum, and what are their functions?
JohnPhteven
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Why is it difficult to bend the waist while keeping the knees straight?

It's easy to keep your legs straight when you're standing up or laying flat on your back, but as soon as you try to sit up or bend down, you need to bend your knees as well as your waist. (Try it. Lay down flat on the floor, then try to sit up…
Mason Wheeler
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Cucumber on the eyes

In many spas and salons I have seen people place a cold cucumber on their eyes. I think this might be for coolness, but why a cucumber? And Is it actually for coolness or for something else (like lightening of dark circles, etc.)?
Ashu
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