Cervical ribs are extra ribs that some people have at the base of their neck, just above the collarbone. They are quite rare, with only about 0.5% to 1% of people having them. Even though they are not common, these extra ribs can sometimes cause discomfort or pain.
People with cervical ribs might feel neck pain or numbness in their arms. This is called thoracic outlet syndrome. Most people with cervical ribs don’t feel any symptoms, but for those who do, the extra rib can press on nerves or blood vessels in the neck, causing discomfort.
The “funny bone” isn’t really a bone. It’s actually the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of your elbow. When you bump this nerve, especially when your elbow is bent, it can cause a sharp, tingling feeling. This happens because the ulnar nerve gets pressed against a part of the arm bone called the medial epicondyle, sending signals of discomfort to your brain.
Lice are tiny insects that can live in your hair. They spread mostly through close contact, like at school or camp. Anyone can get lice, no matter how clean they are.
If you think you have lice, look for small, wingless bugs in your hair. They are usually grayish-white or brown. You can use special shampoos or creams from the store to get rid of them. Washing your clothes and bedding in hot water and cleaning your surroundings can help prevent lice from coming back.
Sneezing is a way your body gets rid of irritants in your nose. When something tickles your nose, it triggers a sneeze, which is a quick burst of air that can travel up to 100 mph! This helps clear your nose and airways.
Sweating helps cool your body down when you’re hot. When you exercise or it’s warm outside, your brain tells your sweat glands to make sweat. As the sweat evaporates from your skin, it cools you down, keeping your body temperature stable.
Yawning is when you open your mouth wide and take a deep breath. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why we yawn, but one idea is that it helps bring in more oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. Yawning might also help you wake up or become more alert when you’re bored or tired.
Have you ever noticed that when someone yawns, you feel like yawning too? Yawning is contagious! Some scientists think yawning might have started as a way for animals to communicate without speaking, showing they are alert or in charge.
Learning about things like cervical ribs, sneezing, sweating, and yawning helps us understand how our bodies work. Even if these things seem small, they play important roles in keeping us healthy and responding to the world around us.
Explore the Funny Bone: Find a partner and take turns gently tapping the inside of each other’s elbows where the “funny bone” is located. Describe the sensation you feel. Why do you think it feels funny? Discuss how the ulnar nerve is involved in this sensation. Can you think of other parts of your body where nerves might cause a similar feeling?
Yawning Experiment: Conduct a yawning experiment with your family or friends. Try yawning in front of them and see if they yawn too. Keep a tally of how many people yawned after you did. Discuss why you think yawning is contagious. Do you think animals yawn for the same reasons as humans?
Sweat and Evaporation: On a warm day, go outside and play for a while. Notice how your body starts to sweat. After coming back inside, stand in front of a fan or breeze and observe how your skin feels cooler. Discuss with a friend or family member how sweating helps regulate your body temperature. Can you think of other ways your body keeps cool?
