Conjoined Twins Abby and Brittany Hensel Explain Their Unique Anatomy
Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel recently shared details about their unique anatomy, which consists of separate and fused organs.
The Hensel twins openly share information about their lives. They offer insights into personal milestones, such as Abby's marriage to Josh Bowling in 2021. They also released a video educating the public on their physical structure.
"Abby and Brittany Hensel's anatomy uniquely blends shared and individual organs and tissues," said the video, created by molecular biologist Hashem Al-Ghaili and shared on their TikTok account on December 30. Each twin possesses separate upper body systems, with two heads, two brains, two spinal cords, and two hearts, which operate within a shared circulatory system.
At 34 years old, Abby and Brittany are among the oldest known dicephalic parapagus conjoined twins. Despite sharing blood circulation, their brains and spinal cords function independently. This independence explains why Abby, on the right, controls the right arm and leg, while Brittany manages the left.
"Despite this division, their movements are highly coordinated," the narrator stated. This coordination is essential for tasks requiring both arms. They engage in constant communication whether they are holding objects, typing, or driving.
These themes were explored in their series, "Abby & Brittany." Over ten years ago, audiences saw them navigating the challenges of teenage life, including driving.
"We have two licenses," Abby stated during a 2012 TLC episode. "Each of us took the test, and we both passed."
Concerning their driving cooperation, Brittany noted, "Abby controls the gas and brakes, while we both steer."
The TikTok video elaborated on their anatomy, stating the twins have "four lungs — two partially fused, two stomachs, two gall bladders, three kidneys, one liver, one small intestine, one large intestine, one pelvis, one bladder," and "one set of reproductive organs." Their two stomachs allow them to digest food independently and experience pain differently.
"If my stomach hurts here," Abby indicated Brittany’s stomach during the show, "I can't feel anything."
"I can only feel my right side," Abby continued. Brittany affirmed, "I can only feel my left side."
Alongside their reality series and various life updates — like Abby’s marriage and their work as fifth-grade teachers — the twins epitomize resilience and tenacity.
"Despite their unique anatomy," the video’s narrator concluded, "Abby and Brittany have defied the odds, living vibrant lives through cooperation and extraordinary coordination. Their story exemplifies both the adaptability of the human body and the resilience of the spirit."
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