Incredible simulation shows conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel’s ‘unique’ anatomies and how they function

When it comes to stomachs, they each have their own, can digest food separately, and their sense of hunger or satiety is unique since the brains controlling the stomachs are independent. Each also has their own esophagus leading to their stomach, and their digestive systems function independently in the upper body. However, they experience stomach pain differently, with the discomfort felt on the opposite side of the shared body.

The twins share one liver, which is slightly elongated and enlarged to meet both bodies’ needs. They have a single small intestine that splits into two spastic peristalsis patterns for their dual physiology. They also share one large intestine, one bladder, and one set of reproductive organs, so their lower pelvis is’slightly broader than average’.

For kidneys, Abby has one on her side and Brittany has two. It’s a unique adaptation for filtration and waste removal in their shared urinary system.