Humans Have an Actual Superpower

Explore the fascinating anatomy of the human vocal tract in this 22-minute video from the Institute of Human Anatomy. Discover why human speech is considered a superpower as Justin delves into the unique structures that enable our complex communication abilities. Learn about the intricate workings of vocal cords, the supralaryngeal vocal tract, and how humans compare anatomically to chimpanzees in terms of speech production. Gain insights into the evolutionary advantages of human speech and understand why it has been so impactful in shaping our species. The video covers topics such as breathing mechanics, laryngeal anatomy, and the physiological differences that set humans apart in the animal kingdom when it comes to verbal communication.

00:00 - Intro
00:40 - The Best Book Ever
01:33 - Breathing and Speaking
05:41 - Outside of the Voice Box
08:56 - Vocal Cords and Friends
10:27 - How the Vocal Cords Work
12:36 - The Supralaryngeal Vocal Tract
14:46 - Humans Compared to Chimps
18:06 - Flat and Round
19:02 - Why Speech Is a Superpower
20:34 - Want to Help Us Out?