Support and movement
The skeleton, joints and muscles work together as a single system of levers. Find out how it is built and why it needs daily activity so much.
the body from the inside: anatomy and physiology in plain words
Ourbodyrussia: the body from the inside
Every day your body does an enormous amount of work that you barely notice: it keeps you upright, pumps blood, processes food and regulates temperature. Here it is explained calmly and without jargon, so you can understand yourself better and recognise when it is time to see a doctor.
Knowing how your own body works is not a job reserved for doctors; it is simply part of being well informed. It helps you worry less and describe more clearly what is bothering you.
Where to start
Heart and breathing
The heart and lungs work together to supply every cell with oxygen. Learn how to find your pulse and what is worth knowing about it.
Skin and protection
Skin is the body's largest organ and its first line of defence. How to protect it from the sun and from drying out is covered in the prevention section.
Brain and nerves
The nervous system links all the organs and lets us feel, think and move. The key terms are collected in the glossary.
Reference sections
- Topics
Organ systems by group: support and movement, blood and breathing, digestion, nerves and senses. Plus the article catalogue.
- Prevention
Everyday care for your joints and back: movement, posture, sleep and breaks, with no miracle cures.
- Methods
How scientists studied the body in the past, how doctors look inside today, and what you can calmly observe yourself.
- Research
Where knowledge about the body comes from, how to read popular science, and why anatomy myths are so persistent.
- Questions
Questions about the heart, bones, joints and skin that are worth raising at a doctor's appointment.
- Glossary
Anatomy and medical terms in plain English, from vertebra and tendon to ultrasound.
- Sources
The textbooks and reference materials this guide relies on, and where its limits are.
Get to know your body in five steps
Find the pulse at your wrist
Place two fingers on the inside of your wrist, below the base of your thumb, and wait until you feel a steady beat. That is the wave of blood your heart pushes into the vessels.
Count your breaths at rest
Sit comfortably, rest for a few minutes, then for one minute count how many times your chest rises. Don't try to breathe in any special way: what matters is your usual pattern.
Feel the larger bones
Run your fingers along your collarbone from the breastbone to the shoulder, find the edge of your shoulder blade by reaching behind your back, and feel your kneecap with your leg relaxed. This makes the skeleton easier to grasp than any diagram.
Check your posture against a wall
Stand with your back to a wall so that your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades and the back of your head touch it. Remember this position; it is worth returning to throughout the day.
Write down what you notice
Note in a notebook what you found and anything that seemed unusual. If something leaves you in doubt, these notes will be useful when you talk to a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is this medical advice?
No. This guide explains how the body is built in general and does not assess your condition. If you have symptoms, see a doctor, and if a life is at risk, call 112 or 103 (or your local emergency number).
Do you run exhibitions or sell tickets?
No. We do not organise exhibitions, sell tickets or represent any museum. This is a text-only reference.
How many bones does a person have?
An adult usually has 206. A newborn has more bones: some of them fuse together over time.
What should I do if my pulse seems irregular?
Don't try to work it out yourself or look for an explanation online. Tell a doctor: only a doctor can assess your heart rhythm. If an irregular pulse comes with chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath, call for help on 112 or 103 (or your local emergency number).
About the project
This domain used to host the website of a touring exhibition about the human body. Its materials have not survived and are not reproduced here. The current reference has no connection with that exhibition and does not sell tickets; the name simply came to us along with the domain.
Today Ourbodyrussia is an independent guide to anatomy and physiology for people without medical training. We explain how the organ systems work and connect that knowledge with simple daily habits: movement, sleep, posture and skin protection.
See also
- Topics
Organ systems by group: support and movement, blood and breathing, digestion, nerves and senses. Plus the article catalogue.
- Prevention
Everyday care for your joints and back: movement, posture, sleep and breaks, with no miracle cures.
- Research
Where knowledge about the body comes from, how to read popular science, and why anatomy myths are so persistent.
- Sources
The textbooks and reference materials this guide relies on, and where its limits are.
Sources
- Textbooks of human anatomy and physiology
- WHO reference materials on healthy living
This text reflects the generally accepted understanding of how the body works as of the date it was prepared. Human biology keeps refining the details, so take any questions about your own health to a doctor rather than relying on a reference article.