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The Human Body Is Weird

Tiny bones, unusual cells and surprising senses. How well do you know yourself?

Free to use with your own team, courtesy of WorkplaceHero - workplacehero.co.uk

Question sheet

1. Which bone normally has no direct bony articulation with another bone?
- A. Hyoid
- B. Stapes
- C. Patella
- D. Clavicle
2. Which transparent eye structure normally has no blood vessels across its central region?
- A. Retina
- B. Iris
- C. Choroid
- D. Cornea
3. Which genetic difference helps determine whether earwax is wet or dry?
- A. Number of X chromosomes
- B. Mitochondrial DNA length
- C. Variants of the ABCC11 gene
- D. ABO blood-group variation
4. What physically raises the bumps in goosebumps?
- A. Inflating sweat glands
- B. Tiny muscles attached to hair follicles
- C. Capillaries pushing hairs upwards
- D. Hair shafts shortening
5. Which normal mature human blood cells have lost their nuclei?
- A. Red blood cells
- B. B lymphocytes
- C. Neutrophils
- D. Monocytes
6. Platelets are unusual because they are what?
- A. Bacteria permanently living in blood
- B. Complete cells with several nuclei
- C. Dissolved protein crystals
- D. Fragments of larger cells
7. Which structure folds over the laryngeal entrance during swallowing?
- A. Soft palate
- B. Tongue frenulum
- C. Epiglottis
- D. Uvula
8. Which brain gland releases melatonin to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle?
- A. Pituitary gland
- B. Pineal gland
- C. Mammillary body
- D. Choroid plexus
9. The body's so-called second brain is principally which network?
- A. Enteric nervous system
- B. Vestibular apparatus
- C. Sacral nerve plexus
- D. Cardiac conduction system
10. Which organ filters blood and can be removed, though infection risk then rises?
- A. Pancreas
- B. Thymus
- C. Gallbladder
- D. Spleen
11. Which is normally the smallest bone in the human body?
- A. Malleus
- B. Pisiform
- C. Stapes
- D. Incus
12. Which sequence produces a hiccup?
- A. Stomach contracts, then soft palate closes
- B. Diaphragm spasms, then glottis closes suddenly
- C. Lungs contract, then epiglottis opens
- D. Oesophagus spasms, then nostrils close

Answer sheet (for the quizmaster)

1. A - Hyoid
The hyoid is suspended by soft tissues in the neck and supports speaking and swallowing.
2. D - Cornea
The cornea receives nourishment from tears and aqueous humour rather than a central blood supply.
3. C - Variants of the ABCC11 gene
ABCC11 variants strongly influence whether a person has wet or dry earwax.
4. B - Tiny muscles attached to hair follicles
Arrector pili muscles contract, making hairs stand up and producing small skin bumps.
5. A - Red blood cells
Red blood cells eject their nuclei during maturation, leaving more room for their specialised contents.
6. D - Fragments of larger cells
Platelets are cell fragments that gather at damaged blood vessels and help stop bleeding.
7. C - Epiglottis
This leaf-shaped cartilage helps direct food and liquid away from the airway.
8. B - Pineal gland
The pineal gland secretes melatonin as part of the circadian timing system.
9. A - Enteric nervous system
The gut contains an extensive nerve network that communicates with the brain and regulates digestive activity.
10. D - Spleen
People can live without a spleen, but its immune functions mean additional infection precautions are important.
11. C - Stapes
The tiny stirrup-shaped stapes transmits vibrations in the middle ear.
12. B - Diaphragm spasms, then glottis closes suddenly
The diaphragm contracts suddenly, drawing air in. Closure at the vocal cords produces the characteristic sound.