Body Facts: Digestive System
- Adults eat about 500 kg (1,100 lb.) of food per year.
- The body produces 1.5 liters (1.6 quarts) of saliva each day.
- The esophagus is approximately 25cm (almost 10 in.) long.
- Muscles contract in waves to move the food down the esophagus. This means that food would get to a person's stomach, even if they were standing on their head.
- An adult’s stomach can hold approximately 1.5 liters (1.6 quarts) of material.
Facts courtesy of BODY WORLDS.
Image: Gunther von Hagens, Institute for Plastination, Heidelberg, Germany, www.bodyworlds.com.
- Museum Hours
-
- Extended hours through Labor Day:
Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Extended hours through Labor Day:
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
- Happening Now
-
-
Animal Inside Out
A stunning look inside the animal kingdom from the creators of BODY WORLDS.
-
The Last Reef
Take a thrilling underwater journey to explore the beauty and mysteries of coral reefs.
-
Space Junk
A visually stunning exploration of our planet's perilous ring of orbiting debris.
-
- Coming Soon
-
-
80 at 80
See 80 rarely displayed artifacts in an exhibit commemorating the Museum's 80th anniversary.
-
MSI's 80th Birthday Party
Join us as we turn 80 with entertainment, a new exhibit, and a unique "cake"!
-
Building a Century of Progress
Revisit the memorable architectural and visual design of Chicago's 1933 World's Fair.
-