Just in case you weren’t paying attention during your biology or anatomy class, you have a second chance. As you read this, you will realize some parts of your body you didn’t know existed, let alone their names. The human body is made up of parts from the smallest to the largest organ and from the familiar ones to the not-so-familiar ones. It is mind blowing to know that almost every inch of the human body has a unique name, have very important functions, and some even serve crucial purposes. Check these out;
Lacrimal punctum
This is a small hole in your eyelids that drains your tears into your nose. It’s the reason why you get a runny nose after crying. We’re sure you may have wondered why your nose runs when you are crying. If yes, this is why; it is the work of the lacrimal puncta, the minute openings on the tips of the lacrimal papillae. They drain tears out of the eyes. Each eyelid has two lacrimal puncta on the inside.
The Philtrum
The philtrum is a vertical indentation in the middle area of the upper lip. The ubiquitous groove, with no apparent function (in humans), is vestigial in nature. But some argue that the philtrum provides better maneuverability to the face and mouth. The philtrum is a location where the different parts of the face merge into one.
The philtrum forms when the nasomedial and the maxillary processes converge during embryonic development. As the gestation period progresses, the face begin to take shape and its pieces merge at the philtrum. The formation of a philtrum is extremely crucial, as it holds the face together and prevents it from enlarging any further.
Glabella
The small area between your eyebrows is your glabella. The glabella is a rounded protrusion in adult males, while it is flat in children and adult females.
Suprasternal notch
This is the depression under your neck between your two clavicles and it is also known as the “jugular notch”. The suprasternal notch is below the neck and between the collar bones.
An evaluative test for aorta using the suprasternal notch has proved to be useful in diagnosing conditions such as aneurysm, dissecting aneurysm, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The jugular notch is also a vulnerable spot used by martial artists to attack and immobilize their opponent. A person may lose consciousness or even choke if fingers are pushed into the spot as a way of self-defense.
Columella nasi
This is the name for the cartilaginous tissue at the end of the nasal septum, which separates your nostrils. The columella nasi, or columella, is the fleshy, external, and visible end of the nasal septum. It is the bridge of tissue that separates the nostrils at the nasal base. It extends from the tip of the nose to the base and is made of cartilage and tissue.
Lunula
It is the crescent-shaped, whitish area of the bed of a fingernail or toenail. The small, rounded, whitish area literally means “little moon” and appears in the 14th week of the gestation period. It is a very delicate part of the nail structure, and any damage to it leads to a deformity of the nail. Each lunula on a finger and its absence corresponds with the malfunctioning of a particular organ in the body.
For example, the lunula on the little finger should be unnoticeable or absent. This denotes the working of the kidneys, heart, and small intestine. An increase in the lunula may indicate high blood pressure. So also, the size of the lunula and its color can give an insight into the health of an individual. For example, gray lunulae indicate digestion disorders, possible difficulties in nutrient absorption, and severe fatigue. Purple lunulae mean improper blood circulation.
Gnathion
This is the lowest point in the middle of your lower jaw that serves as a point for craniofacial measurements.
The gnathion is the lowest point in the middle of the mandible or the lower jaw bone. The gnathion is important because it forms a part of the cephalometric analysis, which is an applied tool used by orthodontists, dentists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in treating facial growth abnormalities and dental problems.
Dimples of Venus
These are symmetrical indentations on the human lower back, just above the gluteal cleft. Dimples of Venus, “butt dimples,” or “back dimples” are minor indentations in the lower back just above the hips on either side of the spine.
These dimples are more prominent among females, but males also possess them. In males, they are called “Apollo holes.” The two depressions connect the iliac bone in the pelvis to the sacrum in the spine. The dimples of Venus serve as an identifying location to find the superior articular facets of the sacrum as a guide in spine surgery to place the sacral pedicle screws.
The dimples of Venus are believed to be a mark of beauty, and women have been getting them pierced to enhance their aesthetic appeal. The dimples are also an erogenous zone and are known to give heightened pleasure during intimacy.