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Once Upon a Time... Life

Season 1 · 26 episodes · Sep 13, 1987

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.

  1. Once Upon a Time... Life season 1 episode 1 still

    Episode 1

    The Planet Cell

    Sep 13, 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.

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    Episode 2

    Birth

    Sep 20, 1987

    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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    Episode 3

    The Body Sentinels

    Sep 27, 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.

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    Episode 4

    The Bone Marrow

    Oct 4, 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!

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    Episode 5

    The Blood

    Oct 11, 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.

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    Episode 6

    The Tiny Platelets

    Oct 18, 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.

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    Episode 7

    The Heart

    Oct 25, 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.

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    Episode 8

    Breathing

    Nov 1, 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.

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    Episode 9

    The Brain

    Nov 8, 1987

    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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    Episode 10

    The Neurones

    Nov 15, 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.

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    Episode 11

    The Eye

    Nov 22, 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.

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    Episode 12

    The Ear

    Nov 29, 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.

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    Episode 13

    The Skin

    Dec 6, 1987

    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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    Episode 14

    The Mouth and the Teeth

    Dec 13, 1987

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

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    Episode 15

    The Digestion

    Dec 20, 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!

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    Episode 16

    The Liver Factory

    Dec 27, 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.

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    Episode 17

    The Kidneys

    Jan 3, 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!

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    Episode 18

    The Lymphatic System

    Jan 10, 1988

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

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    Episode 19

    The Bones and the Skeleton

    Jan 17, 1988

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

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    Episode 20

    The Muscles and the Fat

    Jan 24, 1988

    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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    Episode 21

    Toxin Wars

    Jan 31, 1988

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

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    Episode 22

    The Vaccination

    Feb 7, 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.

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    Episode 23

    The Hormones

    Feb 14, 1988

    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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    Episode 24

    The Chain Of Life

    Feb 21, 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.

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    Episode 25

    Repairs and Changes

    Feb 28, 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.

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    Episode 26

    And life goes on...

    Mar 13, 1988

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