It is widely accepted that the human body is the most perfect, efficient, best-constructed machine ever devised.
We are approximately 57% water, but up to 60 chemical elements also form our bodies. Among these, we can find polonium, vanadium, uranium and tungsten.
639 muscles, 206 bones and 86 billion neurons are some of the impressive figures we get when looking at the human body!
Then, at the top, we have the brain. The most complex organ in the human body, controlling every movement, thought, feeling and reaction.
Due to its importance, the brain is protected inside the skull, where 4 pairs of air-filled hollow cavities can also be found. These cavities are called sinuses. Their function is not entirely clear, although many interesting theories have been proposed: help humidify the air we breathe in; enhance our voice; protect the brain (air-bag); lighten the weight of the head.
What we do know, however, is that a mucus-producing tissue lines the sinuses and generates more than 1 litre of mucus every day!
In normal conditions, mucus is swept out of the sinuses by cilia (small beating hairs) through the ostia (the passages that communicate the sinuses to the nasal cavity). Most of this mucus is swallowed subconsciously.
With a cold or a sinus infection, mucus starts to accumulate in the sinuses, producing facial pain due to pressure caused by the inflammation. Going back to our stats, it is estimated that 1 out of 7 people worldwide suffer from sinusitis.
So, if you do not feel like storing 1 litre of mucus on a daily basis, please take care of your sinuses!
Did you know about these stats? Which one surprised you the most?
Comments below please!