Summary of Bill Bryson' s The Body

By IRB Media

Get the Summary of Bill Bryson' s The Body in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book.

Bill Bryson once again proves himself to be an incomparable companion as he guides us through the human body--how it functions, its remarkable ability to heal itself, and (unfortunately) the ways it can fail. Full of extraordinary facts (your body made a million red blood cells since you started reading this) and irresistible Bryson-esque anecdotes, The Body will lead you to a deeper understanding of the miracle that is life in general and you in particular. As Bill Bryson writes, "We pass our existence within this wobble of flesh and yet take it almost entirely for granted." The Body will cure that indifference with generous doses of wondrous, compulsively readable facts and information.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Jan 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781952482113

IRB Media

With IRB books, you can get the key takeaways and analysis of a book in 15 minutes. We read every chapter, identify the key takeaways and analyze them for your convenience.

Book preview

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

The human body consists of fifty-nine different elements and seven billion billion billion atoms. These atoms join together to form cells, which then make up our organs. What is most remarkable is that not one organ or cell is in charge. They all communicate to create coordinated action.

#2

Inside each cell is your DNA, which is like an instruction manual for making you. The paradox of genetics is that all humans share 99.9 percent of our DNA and yet we are all so different. A large portion of our DNA still remains a mystery.

Insights from Chapter 2

#1

Our skin is our largest and most versatile organ. It measures approximately two square meters and holds our insides together, keeps the bad things out, cushions blows, protects us from the sun, and gives us our sense of touch.

#2

Our skin color is only held in the topmost layer of our epidermis. It is controlled by over 120 genes.

#3

Hairless skin is called glabrous skin and is only found on the lips, nipples, genitalia, and bottoms of the hands and feet. The rest of our body is covered in terminal hair, like on your head, or vellus hair, like on your cheeks.

#4

Humans have about five million hairs. Hair provides warmth, cushioning, and shielding from UV light.

#5

Perspiration is another important trait of our