Once Upon a Time... Life

26min

Animation

Kids

Documentary

Family

Attention please! Are you ready for an adventurous tour through the human body? With a lot of humour, our physical appearance is being introduced from head to toe along cells and organs in an educational way. The heart, blood, nerves and kidneys, each single one is a miracle which renders life possible.

Production Companies

Procidis

Eiken

Episodes

Cast

The Planet Cell

1. The Planet Cell

24min

13th Sep 1987

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.

Birth

2. Birth

25min

20th Sep 1987

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

The Body Sentinels

3. The Body Sentinels

26min

27th Sep 1987

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.

The Bone Marrow

4. The Bone Marrow

26min

4th Oct 1987

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!

The Blood

5. The Blood

25min

11th Oct 1987

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.

The Tiny Platelets

6. The Tiny Platelets

24min

18th Oct 1987

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.

The Heart

7. The Heart

26min

25th Oct 1987

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

Breathing

8. Breathing

26min

1st Nov 1987

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.

The Brain

9. The Brain

26min

8th Nov 1987

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

The Neurones

10. The Neurones

26min

15th Nov 1987

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.

The Eye

11. The Eye

26min

22nd Nov 1987

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.

The Ear

12. The Ear

26min

29th Nov 1987

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

The Skin

13. The Skin

26min

6th Dec 1987

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

The Mouth and the Teeth

14. The Mouth and the Teeth

26min

13th Dec 1987

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

The Digestion

15. The Digestion

26min

20th Dec 1987

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!

The Liver Factory

16. The Liver Factory

26min

27th Dec 1987

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.

The Kidneys

17. The Kidneys

27min

3rd Jan 1988

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!

The Lymphatic System

18. The Lymphatic System

26min

10th Jan 1988

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

The Bones and the Skeleton

19. The Bones and the Skeleton

26min

17th Jan 1988

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

The Muscles and the Fat

20. The Muscles and the Fat

26min

24th Jan 1988

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

Toxin Wars

21. Toxin Wars

26min

31st Jan 1988

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

The Vaccination

22. The Vaccination

26min

7th Feb 1988

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.

The Hormones

23. The Hormones

26min

14th Feb 1988

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

The Chain Of Life

24. The Chain Of Life

26min

21st Feb 1988

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.

Repairs and Changes

25. Repairs and Changes

26min

28th Feb 1988

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.

And life goes on...

26. And life goes on...

27min

13th Mar 1988

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

First air date

13th Sep 1987

Last air date

13th Mar 1988

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

fr

Networks