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Anatomy & Physiology

3D Skeletal System: Atlas, Axis, and the Atlanto-Axial Relationship

There are 33 vertebrae in your vertebral column. Or is it 24? Doesn't matter—both numbers are correct. You're born with 33, but the sacrum and coccyx fuse to the rest of the spine, making it 24 by the time you're an adult. Of those 24 (not counting ...
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Courtney Smith

Anatomy & Physiology

3D Muscular System: Five Common Muscle Actions

You are always moving. No matter how still you think you are, there are muscles contracting—you're never truly still. The muscles in your digestive ...
Anatomy & Physiology

Learn Muscle Anatomy: Sternocleidomastoid

I can't tell you how many times a day I drop the side of my face into my hand—it's becoming a problem. Mostly because after a while it gives me a ...
Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology: The Relationships of the Respiratory System

The Visible Body Blog · Anatomy and Physiology: The Relationships of the Respiratory System Click the play button to listen to an audio version of ...
Anatomy & Physiology

Learn Muscle Anatomy: Popliteus

I have a real fascination with underdogs: the little guys who manage to pull off the incredible when the bigger guys usually get all the glory. The ...
Anatomy & Physiology

Learn Muscle Anatomy: Gastrocnemius

I had over 600 muscles from which to choose when I first started writing this thing. I can hear you now: "How did you ever choose from that many ...
Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology: 5 Medical Myths Demythified!

Modern medicine is pretty advanced—we have vaccines against diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries and we can see into cells. I thought it ...
Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology: Major Components of the Digestive System

Hey, did you hear that? That rumbling sound? It was either thunder on the horizon or your tummy talking. If the skies are clear, then blame it on ...
Anatomy & Physiology

3D Skeletal System: Bones of the Thoracic Cage

Put your hands on your chest and take a deep breath. Feel how your chest expands? That's your thoracic cage—or rib cage, as it's more commonly ...
Anatomy & Physiology

3D Skeletal System: Function of the Sphenoid

The sphenoid. Aside from having the most sci-fi name in all existence, it's pretty much the coolest-looking bone in the body. Best yet? It's in your ...