Once Upon a Time... Life
Once Upon a Time... Life: Season 1

Air Date

September 13, 1987

Episodes

26 episodes

Once Upon a Time... Life

Season 1

Overview

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.

Episodes

The Planet Cell

1. The Planet Cell

10.0
September 13, 1987
24 min

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

10.0
September 20, 1987
25 min

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

10.0
September 27, 1987
26 min

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

October 4, 1987
26 min

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

7.7
October 11, 1987
25 min

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

10.0
October 18, 1987
24 min

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

10.0
October 25, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
November 1, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
November 8, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
November 15, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
November 22, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
November 29, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
December 6, 1987
26 min

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

9.0
December 13, 1987
26 min

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

The Digestion

15. The Digestion

10.0
December 20, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
December 27, 1987
26 min

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

10.0
January 3, 1988
27 min

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

10.0
January 10, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
January 17, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
January 24, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
January 31, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
February 7, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
February 14, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
February 21, 1988
26 min

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

10.0
February 28, 1988
26 min

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...

10.0
March 13, 1988
27 min

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