A thorough understanding of the impacts contaminants in the environment have on our bodies both require knowledge of the physiology of the human body and case studies that build our awareness of toxicants. Metaphors and analogies are ways to break down these concepts to make them relatable and easier to comprehend.

Concept → Metaphor/Analogy

Metaphor/analogy used in a sentence

Conceptus exposure to thalidomide in the womb → flippers

If a mother consumes Thalidomide early in pregnancy, there is a chance that their child will be born with flipper limbs, or a lack of arms or feet.

Parts of the uterus → horns

There are four types of uteri: some have two horns that can each hold a conceptus.

Gastrula → kicking a flat soccer ball

The gastrula stage of fetal development is like kicking a flat soccer ball; the gastrula concaves in on itself and folds into three layers.

“The solution to pollution is dilution” → pooping in a toilet

Thinking that the “solution to pollution is dilution” in reference to dumping toxicants into stagnant bodies of water is like pooping in a toilet and not flushing, expecting the water to still be potable.