Ever wondered why hitting your elbow at a certain angle sends a jolt of uncomfortable hilarity through your body? That spot is notoriously known as the 'funny bone'. But, despite its name, there's nothing hilarious about hitting it—and the feeling isn’t because of a bone at all. It’s all about the ulnar nerve.
The ulnar nerve runs from your neck down to your hand, and it’s positioned close to the surface of your skin at the elbow. When you hit it, the nerve gets compressed against the bone, causing that weird, tingling sensation. Think of it as your body’s very own electric shocker—but of the nerve kind.
Now, let’s dive into some other peculiarities of the human body that science has tackled, leaving us marveling at how weirdly wonderful we are made.
Our Body's Love for Symmetry: Ever noticed how humans are, on average, symmetrical? Our eyes, arms, and legs come in pairs. But why? Evolutionary biologists suggest that symmetry might be tied to good health and superior genetic quality. Essentially, being balanced on both sides is a sign that our development was on the right track. Symmetry in nature is often an indicator of robustness and attractiveness, which might explain why symmetrical faces are often considered more beautiful.
The Somersaulting Stomach: Feeling queasy after seeing something gross isn't just in your head. Your stomach can physically respond to your emotions. This is the mind-gut connection at work. The gut is often referred to as the 'second brain' due to its complex and extensive network of neurons. When you’re stressed or disgusted, chemical signals are sent from your brain to your gut, sometimes causing nausea or that unmistakable queasy feeling.
Uncovering the science behind funny bone tickles and other body quirks
