 GO "UNDER THE SKIN"
AT THE WITTE MUSEUM
By SHANNON HUNTINGTON STANDLEY
Photography Courtesy of THE WITTE MUSEUM
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to unravel the mystery
of the human body. Making its South
Texas debut at the Witte Museum, Our
Body: The Universe Within allows visitors a
firsthand look at the human body as it has
been seen by doctors and scientists.
Literally go “under the skin” to learn
the complexity of the human body with
an up-close, three-dimensional look at
your inner makeup. Explore each of the
intricate bodily systems and how they
work together through 12 actual human
bodies and 75 anatomical specimens
displayed in an artful, compelling and
dignified environment.
Specimens have been treated using a
method known as polymer impregnation,
a method of preservation whereby bodily
fluids are replaced by liquid plastic,
which is then hardened to create a solid.
The specimens thus give visitors a deeper
understanding of the body’s form and
function and a stronger appreciation of
the uniqueness of our individual bodies.
The human body contains more than
650 individual muscles responsible for providing
movement for the body. This exhibit
journeys through the muscular system,showing
the three different types of muscle tissues
— skeletal, cardiac and smooth — and the
two types of muscles in the system, involuntary
and voluntary, that allow the human
body to move like a well-oiled machine.
 The muscles of the body would not
work without being attached to bones.The
skeletal system, consisting of bones, ligaments
and tendons, determines the shape
of the body and protects its organs. It works
in concert with the muscular system.
Although the skeletons of men and
women are similar, the exhibit shows how
the female skeleton is a bit lighter and
smaller than the male skeleton and
includes a wider pelvis for birthing.
On average, the human body has
approximately five liters of blood continually
traveling through it by way of the circulatory
system. See firsthand how the heart, the lungs and the blood vessels
work together so intricately to form the
circulatory system.
All of the organs and muscles inside
our bodies rely upon the nervous system
to function. It is, literally, the master control
unit of our body. Three systems,
cooperating with each other, are needed
in order to fulfill the mission of the
nervous system: the central, the peripheral
and the autonomic.
Explore the complicated path fuel for
the body takes from beginning to end.
The digestive system is the organ responsible
for preparing the food we eat for
absorption by our body tissues. It is also
responsible for processing food and
breaking it down into usable protein, minerals,
carbohydrates, fats and other substances.
Digestion begins in your mouth
when you start eating.
The primary function of the respiratory
system is to supply the blood with oxygen
in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to
all the different parts of the body, which is
done through the simple act of breathing.
Respiration is achieved through the mouth,
nose, trachea, lungs and diaphragm.
 The amazing function of the reproductive
system is to ensure survival of the
species. An individual may live a long,
healthy and happy life without producing
offspring, but if the species is to continue,
at least some individuals must produce
offspring. The primary reproductive
organs, or gonads, consist of the ovaries
and testes. These organs are responsible
for producing the egg and sperm cells,
and for producing hormones,which function
in the maturation of the reproductive
system and the development of sexual
characteristics. They also have important
roles in regulating the normal physiology
of the reproductive system. All other
organs, ducts and glands in the reproductive
system are considered secondary,
or accessory, reproductive organs.
The excretory system is basically the
cleaning system of the body. Hidden
throughout your body are dangerous poisons
that must be removed if it is to survive.
The primary organs of excretion are
the lungs, kidneys and skin.Waste gasses
are expelled through respiration; dead
cells and sweat are removed from the
body through the skin,which is part of the
integument system; and liquid waste is
removed from the body through the kidneys
and ultimately the urine.
The human body is extraordinary, and
this exhibition allows a connection on a
personal level to better understand how
we work. Discover the body parts and systems
that allow thinking, breathing,movement
and the “freeways” that circulate
the blood constantly.
On view at the Witte Museum Jan. 26
through May 26, 2008. For more information
about Our Body, call (210) 357-1900.
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