Unwrapping the Secrets of the Grinch: A Study in Anatomy and Origins

The Grinch is one of the holiday season's most familiar icons. The grumpy, green, fur-covered misanthrope who plotted to sabotage Christmas inDr. Seuss's classic1957 work has now become a quintessential part of the yearly festive ritual he so despised. But beneath that snarl and green fur, what kind of creature is he, really? Not even Dr. Seuss really had an answer. As an anatomist, I can't help but wonder what the Grinch would look like on the dissection table—and what his skeleton, muscles and brain can tell us about his unique origins. The Grinch's most recognizable feature is, of course, his face. And underlying these characteristic features would be a unique skull—unlike anything you'd find in Whoville or on Earth.