As much as we may like to malinger, consider this before calling in to work: even the removal of the spleen, stomach, one kidney, one lung, 75% of the liver, 80% of one’s intestines, and almost every organ from the pelvic and groin area, will not result in your death. Are you still too sick for work?

Despite our natural desire for symmetry, we must accept the fact that the term is not one always associated with our bodies: as the human heart is situated beneath the left lung, it is actually smaller than its neighbor on the right.

If you’ve just returned from a three-week journey in the Sahara Desert, don’t try to eat–or at least enjoy it. If your body lacks saliva, you won’t be able to taste your food. The scientific explanation? In order for the flavors to be tasted, the chemicals within the food must combine with and be dissolved by saliva.