14 Real Names Of Body Parts Most Of Us Are Unaware Of

Written by Indrani Karmakar  • 

We know what you are thinking, you studied the parts of the human body back in school, and you don’t plan on revising it all over again. Of course, we know the terms of most of the body parts, but there are still parts that might have a different name than you are used to saying that might startle you when someone mentions it. For example, did you know your armpit has a name for it? We use it sparingly because armpit is commonly understood by everyone, but axilla is the proper term for it. Well, now you know it! Here in this article are more names of the body parts whose names are unused by most of us. Read on to add them to your vocabulary!

1. Glabella

Glabella
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Who would have guessed that glabella is more than a flower! The flattened bump of the frontal bone can be found above your nasal bridge. Even though the name originates from the Latin word glabellus, which means smooth, it does contain tiny hairs.

2. Philtrum

Philtrum
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The philtrum is a vertical depression in the top lip’s center that runs from the nasal septum toward the tubercle. Many animals benefit from an enhanced sense of smell because of this, but in humans, it’s a rudimentary organ (1).

3. Eponychium

Eponychium
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The eponychium is a layer of living cells that sits at the nail’s base and prevents germs from entering the space between the nail and the epidermis. The eponychium & cuticle are different, despite popular belief. Unlike the eponychium, which is made up of live cells, the cuticle is made up of dead cells. Therefore, manicures involve the removal of the cuticle, while the eponychium should never be removed as this might lead to infection.

4. Frenulum

Frenulum
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A tissue fold called the frenulum restricts organ movement. There are numerous similar organs that may be found throughout the body. They are located in the oral cavity, intestinal system, brain, and genitalia.

5. Lunula

Lunula
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Underneath the nail, there is a little moon-shaped white projection called the lunula. It is a highly delicate framework. The nail will remain permanently malformed if it is broken or damaged.

6. Tragus

Tragus
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You must have heard this word from a professional ear piercer, as the tragus is one of the trending spots to wear a stud. You will find the tragus above the ear canal, on the outer ear, shaped like a little, sharp protrusion. You may also use the term to refer to the hair that appears at the side of your head. Because it resembles a goat’s beard, the ancient Greek word “tragos” was used to refer to the animal.

7. Dimples Of Venus

Dimples Of Venus
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Many people often have two concave markings, known as the dimples of Venus, on their lower backs, right above their sacroiliac joints (the points at which the sacrum joins the pelvis). The Roman beauty goddess Venus was the inspiration for the name.

8. Atlas

Atlas
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The atlas is the anatomical name for the spine’s first cervical (neck) vertebra. It’s unique among vertebrae since it acts as a pivot point for the head & allows for movement. The origin of the name may be traced back to Greek mythology. Like Atlas holding up the world, it keeps your whole head on its axis.

9. Aqueduct Of Sylvius

Aqueduct Of Sylvius
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The aqueduct of Sylvius joins the third and fourth ventricles by a tiny passageway for cerebrospinal fluid. Franciscus Sylvius, a Dutch physician and scientist was honored with the nomenclature after him.

10. Cerebellar Tentorium

Cerebellar Tentorium
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The cerebellar tentorium is a structural region in the brain that divides the cerebellum from occipital lobes and supports them. The structure’s appearance, which is raised in the middle & narrows toward the bottom, could have contributed to its nomenclature.

11. Hammer, Anvil, And Stirrup

Hammer, Anvil, And Stirrup
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The hammer, anvil, & stirrup are the three tiny bones responsible for hearing abilities of humans. Those hair cells are situated within the middle ear and therefore are accountable for relaying sound to the cochlea. Therefore, some people may experience hearing loss if these bones are missing or injured.

12. Adonis Belt

Adonis Belt
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Two indentations on either side of the stomach constitute an Adonis belt. It is more visible on a person who is into the workout.

13. Canthus

Canthus
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The canthus is the anatomical term for the junction of the lower and upper eyelids. It is a sensitive organ, and it gives your eyes shape.

14. Axilla

Axilla
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Axilla is the accurate term for armpits, and now that you know it, you can flaunt your vocabulary. It is precisely the part under the shoulder where the arm meets the body. There are a lot of sweat glands in there, too.

So, now that you know the proper names of these parts, you can educate more people about them and use these terms the right way. So, is there a body part name you would like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section!

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