Rare Body Features That Show Just How Incredible the Human Body Is
The human body is an intricate masterpiece—filled with surprises that continue to astonish scientists and medical professionals alike. While we often take our bodies for granted, every now and then, rare features emerge that highlight just how complex and individualized we really are.
From tiny ear openings to extraordinary senses, these unusual traits are found in only a small percentage of people—and they reveal the fascinating diversity of human anatomy.
Let’s explore five rare body features you may never have noticed or even known existed.
1. A Tiny Hole Near the Ear (Preauricular Pit)
Have you ever noticed a small, pinhole-sized opening near someone’s ear? Known as a preauricular pit, this congenital feature forms during early fetal development when the tissues that shape the outer ear don’t completely fuse.
- Usually found near the top-front edge of the ear
- More commonly appears on the right side, but can occur on both
- Harmless in most cases, though it can occasionally become infected
Preauricular pits are rare and believed to occur in less than 1% of the population, with slightly higher rates in certain ethnic groups.
2. Extra Taste Buds (Supertasters)
Supertasters are people born with an unusually high number of taste buds—especially those sensitive to bitter flavors. As a result, they experience certain foods far more intensely than the average person.
- Common “offenders” include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, coffee, and dark chocolate
- May avoid bitter or spicy foods altogether
- Genetics play a major role, and women are more likely to be supertasters than men
Approximately 25% of people fall into this category, making dining a more vivid (and sometimes overwhelming) sensory experience.
3. Seeing More Colors (Tetrachromacy)
Most people see the world through three types of cone cells in the eyes—responsible for red, green, and blue light perception. However, a rare condition called tetrachromacy gives some individuals a fourth type of cone.
- Allows detection of color shades invisible to most people
- Creates a richer, more detailed view of the color spectrum
- Estimated to occur in up to 12% of women (it’s linked to the X chromosome)
Many tetrachromats don’t realize their ability, as it’s difficult to compare color perception between individuals. But to them, the world may truly look more vibrant.
4. Unbreakable Bones (LRP5 Mutation)
Imagine surviving a major accident without a single fracture. That’s what happened in 1994, when researchers discovered a man with extremely dense bones due to a rare genetic mutation in the LRP5 gene.
- Results in high bone mass and density
- Bones are incredibly resistant to breaks and fractures
- Offers a natural protection against osteoporosis and age-related bone loss
Though incredibly rare, this mutation offers exciting insights into potential treatments for bone-related conditions in the broader population.
5. Being Born Without Tonsils
Tonsils are lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat, and they play a key role in your immune system—especially in childhood. While many people have their tonsils removed due to recurring infections, some are born without them entirely.
- Congenital absence of tonsils is extremely rare
- Usually has no impact on overall health or immune function
- Can go unnoticed unless examined by a doctor
It’s a reminder that even our immune systems can have unique, unexpected variations.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Rarity of the Human Body
These rare features—whether genetic quirks or developmental anomalies—highlight the extraordinary complexity of the human body. While many of us fall into the “average” category, there’s a surprising amount of variation hidden beneath the surface.
And as science continues to explore and uncover new discoveries—like the recently found saliva-producing glands behind the nose—it becomes clear that we’ve only just begun to understand the full blueprint of our biology.
Next time you look in the mirror, remember: your body might hold a hidden secret or two.