The Science Behind the Human Blockhead Trick

At circuses or sideshows, you may have witnessed the astonishing human blockhead act, where a performer drives a nail into their nostril. Some artists elevate the spectacle by using objects like spoons, corkscrews, or even hand-operated drills. This daring stunt often elicits a mix of cringes and captivated stares from the audience, leaving them both horrified and mesmerized.

While it might seem like an illusion—perhaps involving a collapsible nail or clever tricks—the human blockhead is genuine. The nail and the nose are real, and the nail truly vanishes into the performer's head.

Observing this act, you might assume the performer has numbed themselves to pain, either through medication or extensive training. Alternatively, you could think the nail is piercing the skull. If you notice no blood when the nail is removed, you might speculate it’s being driven through a pre-existing hole, akin to an ear piercing.

From the audience's viewpoint, these conclusions seem reasonable, and the human blockhead act indeed utilizes a pre-existing cavity in the performer's head. This article delves into the anatomy and physiology behind this stunt, as well as the skills required to perform it.

Anatomy and the Human Blockhead

As reported by the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Melvin Burkhart, a performer, is credited with inventing the human blockhead trick. The name derives from his act's title. [Source: Coney Island Circus Sideshow]. The trick is based on the structure of the human skull, which consists of 22 bones, most fused at sutures, creating a protective shield around the brain. Despite its solid appearance, the skull contains numerous openings, including the sinuses, eye sockets, and the foramen magnum, where the brain stem connects to the body.

Facial features are shaped by the arrangement of skin, fat, and muscle over the skull. The nose, however, is unique. Its external part is primarily composed of cartilage and connective tissue, covered by skin. Hair and mucous inside the nose protect the nasal passages from dust, debris, and other foreign particles.

The external part of the nose can be misleading. While the two nostrils seem to lead directly upward into the nasal passage, the nasal cavity actually extends almost straight back, connecting the nose to the throat. Its upper boundary aligns with the top of the nose, just beneath the eyes, while its base is nearly level with the alar cartilage, which shapes the nostril openings.

The nasal cavity is not entirely smooth or straight. Its walls feature several ridges called conchae, which retain moisture during exhalation, preventing the nasal passages from drying out. These surfaces are lined with mucous membranes, offering lubrication and protection.

During the human blockhead act, the performer drives a nail straight back into this cavity. Occasionally, they must adjust the lower edge of their nostril to access the nasal cavity. In some cases, the nail visibly lifts the nostril's edge, resembling a pig's snout.

Mastering the skill of guiding a nail into this cavity can be challenging. Next, we'll explore the challenges performers face and the risks associated with the human blockhead act.

Reflexes, Sneezes and the Human Blockhead

Watching the human blockhead trick, you might question whether the performer feels pain. A nail is sharp, and the nasal cavity is sensitive. Inserting a foreign object deep into the nose is uncomfortable and can be painful, especially during the learning process. However, sneezing poses an even greater challenge.

Sneezing is primarily a reflex triggered by nasal irritation. Like all reflexes, it involves a reflex arc, which includes a receptor, a sensory nerve, an integration center, a motor nerve, and an effector. Here's how it works:

You can sometimes delay sneezing by ignoring the tickling sensation in your nose. If the sensation fades, you might avoid sneezing altogether. However, this isn't always feasible—sometimes, sneezing is unavoidable.

Sneezing during the human blockhead act not only ruins the performance but also poses significant risks. The sharp inhalation before a sneeze could drive the foreign object deeper into the nasal cavity than intended. Additionally, the sudden head movement might cause the object to scrape the nasal passage. Therefore, mastering the human blockhead requires learning to suppress the sneeze reflex, a skill that, like sword swallowing, demands extensive practice.

The sneeze reflex is a vital defense mechanism against bacteria and viruses, expelling harmful particles from the body. By ignoring this reflex, a human blockhead performer bypasses a natural illness-prevention tool. Moreover, inserting a foreign object near the sinuses and throat increases the risk of infections, especially in crowded environments like fairs and festivals. The object itself can also cause physical damage to the nasal tissues.

Similar to sword swallowing, the human blockhead act involves significant risks for the sake of entertainment. It is not an activity to attempt at home or without guidance from an experienced performer.