stackyFACTS
Health

Why swallowing one fry takes 50 pairs of muscles

HERE’S THE INTERESTING PART

Eating a single french fry kicks off an absurdly complex biological orchestra. Swallowing forces exactly fifty pairs of muscles to coordinate flawlessly in a split-second maneuver just to ensure you don't accidentally inhale potatoes into your lungs.

Why swallowing one fry takes 50 pairs of muscles
STACKY / Health
One discovery leads to another.

Keep exploring facts in this topic.

Health →
STACKY FOR IPHONE

A bigger world.
One discovery
at a time.

Keep discovering with Stacky. Interesting facts in an app that is always within reach.

Download on the App Store
ONE MORE DISCOVERY?

Keep exploring

All in this topic →
Adult humans are anatomically incapable of breathing and swallowing at the exact same time because the epiglottis must cover the larynx to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs.
Health

Adult humans are anatomically incapable of breathing and swallowing at the exact same time because the epiglottis must cover the larynx to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs.

Adult humans are anatomically incapable of breathing and swallowing at the exact same time because the epiglottis must cover the larynx to prevent food and…

Discover more
Tonsils sit right at the frontline of throat defense
Health

Tonsils sit right at the frontline of throat defense

These two fleshy lumps exist merely to catch incoming airborne threats immediately upon entry. They essentially sacrifice themselves daily to keep your…

Discover more
Your vocal cords can shut to keep water out
Health

Your vocal cords can shut to keep water out

If you inhale water, your vocal cords would rather suffocate you than let it hit the lungs. Laryngospasm is an extreme protective reflex where the airway…

Discover more
Your uvula keeps drinks out of your nose
Health

Your uvula keeps drinks out of your nose

The uvula dangling in the back of your mouth isn't just a cartoon trope. Whenever you swallow, it physically swings violently upward to plug the back door to…

Discover more
Why clearing your throat can make the tickle worse
Health

Why clearing your throat can make the tickle worse

Trying to clear out that tickle only guarantees it will come back worse. The aggressive slamming of tissues causes minor swelling, which your body interprets…

Discover more
How exercise may slow cellular aging
Health

How exercise may slow cellular aging

Hitting the gym is literal time travel. Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of your DNA chromosomes that fray as you age. Intense exercise forces…

Discover more
StackyMore discoveries in the app
Download on the App Store