A year is just a quick spin around the sun. A 365-day solar system lap. But in that stretch of time, a lot happens—in space, on Earth, and even inside your body. Your body is constantly at work to keep you alive and kickin’, and looking at all the ways your body changes in a single year is both surprising and cool as hell.
Related: How Old Is Your Body?In a single year, you’ll lose about 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) of skin cells and 27,000 hairs. But your body will also make a lot in one year: you’ll produce 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) of fingernails, 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) of hair, 73 trillion red blood cells, 1,400 liters (370 gallons) of sweat, 360 liters (95 gallons) of saliva and 80 liters (21 gallons) of tears. That’s one busy body.
Related: Why Your Body Does Weird ThingsThe World Science Festival has information on more amazing (or gross, depending on your outlook) things your body does in a year: You’ll expel about 511 liters (135 gallons) of urine, your heart will beat 35 trillion times, and your blood will travel 7,048,928 km (4.38 million miles). So even on your most sluggish days on the couch, take comfort in the fact that your bod is still very hard at work. Thanks, body!
Related: How Many Atoms Are In Your Body?