Scienceville
Human Body Trivia
Your body does funny things every day. It hiccups, gets goosebumps and refuses to be tickled by you! Let's find out why.
Did you know?
You cannot really tickle yourself! Your brain already knows what your fingers will do, so the tickle feels weak.
Your tongue has thousands of taste buds. Each one lasts only about 10 days. Then a new one takes its place!
A hiccup happens when your diaphragm (a muscle below your lungs) suddenly jumps. Babies can even hiccup before they are born!
Try this: The Tickle Test
Try to tickle the sole of your own foot with your fingers. Does it tickle much? Now ask a family member to tickle your foot gently in the same way. Which one tickles more? Swap turns! Only tickle someone who says yes. Stop as soon as they say stop.
Go further: Why Do We Get Goosebumps?
When you feel cold or excited, tiny bumps may pop up on your skin. These are goosebumps! A tiny muscle sits at the bottom of each hair. When it tightens, it pulls the hair up straight. Furry animals do this too. Their raised fur traps warm air. A frightened cat puffs up its fur to look bigger. Our bodies still do it, even without thick fur!