The human body is the most complex, mystifying machine in existence, and probably the most difficult to comprehend. But the more closely we examine its mysteries, the more we can come to understand ourselves. Gaining this detailed understanding of the working parts that we all share is one of the main goals of Bodies: The Exhibition, but the compelling display is also a fascinating experience in and of itself. True to its title, the long-running, award-winning exhibit presents real human bodies in various forms, allowing us a peek inside to see what makes us all tick.

Entering into Bodies: The Exhibition, you'll find artfully arrayed sections of human forms that have been preserved by a special method and arranged to give visitors a guided tour of the human anatomical world. You'll come across skeletons that offer an opportunity to investigate bone structure, and then you'll get an up-close look at all the other systems that keep people together (literally), from the muscles to the nerves and beyond. You can see blood vessels throughout the body and learn about circulation, and see internal organs normally hidden from view. As intriguing as the entire prospect is all by itself, there are further educational elements at work. For instance, the lungs of smokers and nonsmokers are displayed side by side to drive home the point of cigarettes' effect on the lungs in no uncertain terms. There are even programs set up with schools for bringing students here to learn about the body — more than they ever could by sitting in a classroom. But of course you don't have to be out for an education to enjoy Bodies. You just have to be a human being with a natural curiosity about the way people work — a curiosity that the exhibit will satisfy like nothing else can.