Author/Presenter: Anthony
Smith/Professor Robert Winston
The Human Body traces the extraordinary story of human life from birth
to death, exploring at each stage the incredible physical workings of our
bodies. This is a unique and enthralling account of the body's journey from the
miracle of conception and the rude shock of birth, through the rapid and
turbulent changes of adolescence, to the gentle deceleration of old age.
Beautifully illustrated, The Human Body takes us on
a voyage to the centre of our bodies to examine the hidden architecture of our
internal structures. It records the myriad of daily dramas that occur in our
bodies even while we sleep and discuss why the body behaves in such mysterious
ways. For example, why do our bodies break down during old age? Why does the
female outlive her ability to reproduce? How have our complex and little-understood
brains contributed to making us the most successful species on the planet?
The Human Body not only investigates the wonder of
conception and birth but also ventures into the previously undocumented areas of
decay and death. Anthony Smith transcends anatomical trivia to record our
bodies' powerful tale with empathy and clarity.
- Documentary series focusing on the seven ages of existence, using real-life examples as well as state-of-the-art
photography and specially-devised medical imaging. In this programme, Professor Robert Winston explores the
complexity of the human body, explaining how it came to be the most advanced life-form on the planet
- This programme follows a pregnancy from conception to birth using new medical imaging techniques developed for the series
- Motion analysis, a new filming technique, reveals the intricacies of how babies crawl. Medical imaging shows the tiny organ in a baby's ear that ensures balance. And
an ingenious experiment proves how children as young as three can lie convincingly
- In this programme, Professor Robert Winston looks at the physical changes brought about by
puberty. Footage shot inside the body reveals how sexual development accelerates, periods start, voices break,
and spots and body odour make their first appearance as hormones surge through the system
- This programme examines the human brain, the most complicated object in the known
universe. Cameras capture a single brain cell, magnified 10,000 times, as it fires an electrical impulse. Scanners
show the complex activity required for simple pastimes. And, in the name of science, Professor Robert Winston
shows how the brain's delicate balance of chemicals can be disrupted by a few glasses of wine
- Humans are the only mammals to live beyond their child-bearing years, and this programme
examines the ravages of ageing. Professor Robert Winston explains why baldness and wrinkles set in, and how we
become more vulnerable to diseases and accidents
- Professor Robert Winston explores the processes our bodies go through when we die. He
discovers what it is that determines when we are dead, and hears from people who have been through heart
attacks and near-death experiences. And to shed light on the human side of dying, cameras accompany Herbie as
he slowly succumbs to cancer and shows that it is possible to die without pain and fear
Web Owner
Copyright © Anthony Smith 1998.
Revised: 09 September, 2005 .
