Once Upon a Time... Life

Buckle up for a head-to-toe adventure through the human body as this animated series explores the workings of our cells, hearts, brains and more.

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  E1The Planet Cell

  Sep 13, 1987· 24m

  The world of cells is incredible! Activating enzymes, stopping viruses, and managing the body’s police force: it’s all in a day’s work for Teacher.

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  E2Birth

  Sep 20, 1987· 24m

  After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.

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  E3The Body Sentinels

  Sep 27, 1987· 26m

  The body’s police force is taught to neutralize its enemies (microbes and viruses), which reproduce at an alarming rate! It’s a very complex task.

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  E4The Bone Marrow

  Oct 4, 1987· 26m

  Red blood cells, the body’s police force, are created in the bone marrow but sometimes, the factory breaks down and wayward policemen come out. Uh oh!

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  E5The Blood

  Oct 11, 1987· 25m

  The steadfast red blood cells have come down with the flu! Pedrito and Psi get some help from the Teacher’s antibodies to beat the enemy.

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  E6The Tiny Platelets

  Oct 18, 1987· 24m

  Pedrito cuts his finger with a dirty knife. While the platelets try to cure the wound, the white blood cells fight off the filthy invaders.

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  E7The Heart

  Oct 25, 1987· 26m

  Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.

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  E8Breathing

  Nov 1, 1987· 26m

  Air bubbles travel from the nose to the lungs. In the swampy, mucus-filled areas, they meet the red blood cells that transport them around the body.

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  E9The Brain

  Nov 8, 1987· 26m

  Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.

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  E10The Neurones

  Nov 15, 1987· 26m

  The body’s messengers run around sending and receiving information about feelings like hunger and cold. They work day and night and never take breaks.

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  E11The Eye

  Nov 22, 1987· 26m

  Eyes are magical! They break down and transmit images to the brain. What happens if a speck of dust gets into one? It’s tear enzymes to the rescue.

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  E12The Ear

  Nov 29, 1987· 26m

  The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.

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  E13The Skin

  Dec 6, 1987· 26m

  Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.

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  E14The Mouth and the Teeth

  Dec 13, 1987· 26m

  Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.

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  E15The Digestion

  Dec 20, 1987· 26m

  After a tasty meal the food starts its journey to the stomach where it will be broken down depending on what properties it has. But don’t overdo it!

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  E16The Liver Factory

  Dec 27, 1987· 26m

  The liver is fundamental. It doesn’t weigh a lot but it uses almost as much oxygen as the heart! It makes proteins, corpuscles, and helps heal cuts.

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  E17The Kidneys

  Jan 3, 1988· 27m

  Toxic elements head to the kidneys where they are categorized. The good ones are salvaged but the bad ones are sent to the bladder. Have a good trip!

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  E18The Lymphatic System

  Jan 10, 1988· 26m

  The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.

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  E19The Bones and the Skeleton

  Jan 17, 1988· 26m

  The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.

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  E20The Muscles and the Fat

  Jan 24, 1988· 26m

  Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.

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  E21Toxin Wars

  Jan 31, 1988· 26m

  Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.

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  E22The Vaccination

  Feb 7, 1988· 26m

  Vaccines bring us so many benefits! People who don’t get vaccinated run the risk of contracting a disease that is stronger than our natural defenses.

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  E23The Hormones

  Feb 14, 1988· 26m

  At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.

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  E24The Chain Of Life

  Feb 21, 1988· 26m

  A walk in the forest is the perfect way to learn about the extraordinary food chain that exists between the sun, vegetation, animals, and man.

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  E25Repairs and Changes

  Feb 28, 1988· 26m

  Pedrito is 8 years old and is tired after a long day. When he goes to bed, Teacher and his helpers observe the activity that continues during sleep.

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  E26And life goes on...Finale

  Mar 13, 1988· 27m

  Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.