
Once Upon a Time... Life — Season 1
Sep 13, 1987Buckle 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. The Planet Cell
Sep 13, 1987The 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.
24m
2. Birth
Sep 20, 1987After the first cell is fertilized, division and diversification take place to create the 60 trillion cells of the human body.
24m
3. The Body Sentinels
Sep 27, 1987The 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.
26m
4. The Bone Marrow
Oct 04, 1987Red 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!
26m
5. The Blood
Oct 11, 1987The 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.
25m
6. The Tiny Platelets
Oct 18, 1987Pedrito cuts his finger with a dirty knife. While the platelets try to cure the wound, the white blood cells fight off the filthy invaders.
24m
7. The Heart
Oct 25, 1987Globus takes Hemo and Globina on a tour through the human body’s cathedral: the heart and circulatory system. It’s an impressive adventure.
26m
8. Breathing
Nov 01, 1987Air 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.
26m
9. The Brain
Nov 08, 1987Teacher introduces Hemo and Globina to the most mysterious organ: the brain. They learn about behavior, the senses, and much more.
26m
10. The Neurones
Nov 15, 1987The body’s messengers run around sending and receiving information about feelings like hunger and cold. They work day and night and never take breaks.
26m
11. The Eye
Nov 22, 1987Eyes 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.
26m
12. The Ear
Nov 29, 1987The ear is composed of cells that sense vibrations and transmit them to the brain. Then, the brain transforms them into words and sounds.
26m
13. The Skin
Dec 06, 1987Skin is the first barrier against external aggression and helps eliminate waste. From cuts and scrapes to bug bites, it stays pretty busy.
26m
14. The Mouth and the Teeth
Dec 13, 1987Yum! Candy! But sugar strengthens the bacteria around the gums and attacks the tooth enamel, which can cause cavities.
26m
15. The Digestion
Dec 20, 1987After 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!
26m
16. The Liver Factory
Dec 27, 1987The 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.
26m
17. The Kidneys
Jan 03, 1988Toxic 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!
27m
18. The Lymphatic System
Jan 10, 1988The huge lymph network transports everything to the body’s factories. Infectious intruders beware! This place is well protected.
26m
19. The Bones and the Skeleton
Jan 17, 1988The architecture that protects the body’s organs is magnificent! However, even the slightest fracture can cause significant damage.
26m
20. The Muscles and the Fat
Jan 24, 1988Muscles account for almost half the weight of the human body. They also need a ton of energy to do their jobs correctly.
26m
21. Toxin Wars
Jan 31, 1988Combat teams act as preventative barriers and are prepared to defend the cell’s nucleus against toxic gases and contaminants.
26m
22. The Vaccination
Feb 07, 1988Vaccines 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.
26m
23. The Hormones
Feb 14, 1988At the heart of the hypothalamus, Teacher shows us how this region sends out orders to satisfy all the body’s needs.
26m
24. The Chain Of Life
Feb 21, 1988A walk in the forest is the perfect way to learn about the extraordinary food chain that exists between the sun, vegetation, animals, and man.
26m
25. Repairs and Changes
Feb 28, 1988Pedrito 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.
26m
26. And life goes on...
Mar 13, 1988Pedrito wants to know why his grandpa can’t play ball anymore, so he tells Pedrito an old story about a sphinx.
27m