The Atlas Obscura Podcast

A Tour of Human Anatomy With Mary Roach

Sep 4, 2025
Join Mary Roach, a witty exploration of human anatomy and author of the book Replaceable You, as she uncovers the quirks of our bodies. She shares hilarious anecdotes about the history of prosthetics and breast implants, and the daring innovations in surgery. Discover the evolution of breathing machines from the iron lung to modern ventilators. And, ponder the future of organ transplants with genetically modified pig organs. It's a fascinating blend of humor and science that leaves you pondering what makes us uniquely human.
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ANECDOTE

Strange Historical Body Fixes

  • Mary Roach shares quirky historical fixes like scalp-to-pubic hair transplants and early breast implant sizes.
  • These examples show medicine's long, odd path toward solving human-body problems.
INSIGHT

Nose Replacement Drove Early Surgery

  • Nasal mutilation was once common as punishment and deterrent across cultures.
  • That prevalence drove early surgical innovations to rebuild noses using local skin flaps.
ANECDOTE

Forehead To Arm To Nose: A Surgical Journey

  • Gaspar Tagliacazzi pioneered using an upper-arm skin flap to rebuild noses, requiring awkward arm-to-head positioning.
  • Woodblock prints show patients strapped with their hand on their head during the healing period.
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