Preview

Explanations of the major elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, iron and zinc.

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1415 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Explanations of the major elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, iron and zinc.
Oxygen (O)

Human beings obtain this element from the air. It enters a person's bloodstream through the lungs. The blood carries oxygen to the cells of the body. In the cells, oxygen combines with chemicals obtained from food. Energy produced during this process makes it possible for each cell to perform its function in the body. Also, oxygen atoms are present in water and water is essential to all life. It is present in many organic compounds. While oxygen is necessary for life, oxygen as ozone is highly toxic. On the other hand, ozone is an important component of the atmosphere and helps to shield us from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Carbon (C)

Carbon is the basis of all life as we know it. It uniquely occupies a chemical niche that allows it to readily form large and complex molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and ultimately DNA. These compounds are the building blocks of life. Although the human body needs vitamin A [ CO 2 ], increasing the amount it naturally gets gives the body an added health advantage. But increasing it to the level of toxicity, can cause liver damage.

Hydrogen (H)

Hydrogen is found in lipids, in the fat that we eat, and in saturated fat. There are a lot of hydrogen atoms in unsaturated lipids, but less hydrogen atoms in double bonded called polyunsaturated lipids.

Nitrogen (N)

Air is made up from 78% nitrogen and almost 21% oxygen. Our bodies don't use the nitrogen, but we need the oxygen that passes into the body by moving across the lung walls in a process called diffusion.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Calcium is essential to the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy teeth and bones. It is also necessary for regulating the heartbeat and lowering cholesterol levels. Aching joints, dry, brittle nails, tooth decay, high blood pressure / high cholesterol levels in blood, and muscle cramps have all been associated with calcium deficiencies. Perhaps the most

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    The Respiratory System involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The body requires a constant amount of oxygen to function properly, though the body can survive for a short time without food or water we need oxygen to survive and it is required for all cells to survive, a lack of it can result in death. We as human beings taken in oxygen from air and release carbon dioxide (which is waste) and water through exhaling; the continual intake of oxygen (O2) and the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) is what’s necessary to sustain life.…

    • 531 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    If blood calcium runs low your body will take calcium from your bones to use.…

    • 765 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    * Calcium, functions for strong bones and teeth, sources are milk and green leafy vegetables.…

    • 578 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Anatomy STudy Guide

    • 1526 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Healthy bones require calcium and vitamin D to help absorb calcium. They also need exercise.…

    • 1526 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    BIO100 Lesson 2 Quiz 2

    • 508 Words
    • 8 Pages

    The component of an atom or molecule that is most important in determining its chemical properties is the…

    • 508 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Module 4 Report

    • 1220 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, but needs other nutrients in order for it to be absorbed better and use properly. To metabolize calcium the hormones that help in that process are the parathyroid hormone and the modified steroid calcitriol a form of vitamin D, which promote better absorption of the calcium ion into the body’s circulation system and the counter balance protein hormone calcitonin promotes a decrease in circulating calcium. Calcium homeostasis is achieved by three central tissues, the kidney, intestines and bones. The hormonal target for calcium balance in bones is the osteoclast which can mobilize calcium to the body and phalanges by secreting proteolytic enzymes and acid onto the bone matrix in response to stimulation of the parathyroid hormone and…

    • 1220 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    As mammals our aerobic metabolic system requires oxygen for us to sustain life. The organ that transports oxygen from the environment into the body where it is needed, are the lungs. Oxygen is transported through cellular respiration from the lungs to tissues and organs. Between 2,100 to 2,400 gallons of air is breathed to fuel 2,400 gallons of blood that is pumped into the heart. Respiration is controlled by the medulla oblongata, which deals with the autonomic function of breathing. This characteristic allows one to breathe without having to think about the process but can also be overridden and controlled in certain situations. As a result of respiration, carbon dioxide is produced where it is removed for oxygen to be restored. The purpose…

    • 332 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Chemistry Life Worksheet

    • 307 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Carbohydrates are what the organism uses to convert to energy in order to function and keeps all organs operating.…

    • 307 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    many other important functions. Because calcium has so many important jobs, it’s important to get enough of it in your diet.…

    • 414 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    My name is Lena Lockhart, and I have been asked to present arguments for your firm on the differences between water, and sports drinks Gatorade and PowerAde. I have found some interesting information, and this paper will present my findings. I am sure that this will be an informative look at the various ways of hydrating your body and help you to make a decision on what is best for you at any particular moment.…

    • 1241 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    gas transport- oxygen is transported from the lungs to the tissue cells of the body, and…

    • 1603 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    There are only two main functions of minerals in the body, to build body structures, and help in bodily functions. Some minerals are need in large amounts and are called macroelements, others are needed in much smaller doses, and these are called microelements. Some minerals such as calcium are used to build strong teeth and bones, but also to help in blood clotting and nerve function. The best sources of minerals are fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, of all of these green leafy vegetables are the best of these sources. Some minerals are hard to get from the fruit or vegetable so to get the most minerals out of the vegetable or fruit some dietitians recommend juicing them. This separates the minerals from the fibers of the plant.…

    • 374 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Minerals are needed nutrients that are necessary for our bodies. Without these important nutrients in our bodies, we will suffer from a risk of deficiency in our diets. The functions of nutrients help our bodies to maintain its daily functions. Iron, for an example is a very important mineral. This particular mineral is needed in the body because this would put us at risk of having anemia. Other minerals sources are calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are needed for the bones. There are other minerals such as fluoride, which is important for the teeth as well as the bones. Then there is iodine, which is needed for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones. The other sources of minerals are zinc, which is needed for many enzymes and the activity of the numbers of vitamins and hormones. Others are sodium, chloride and potassium, which are electrolytes, which are good for regulating blood pressure.…

    • 368 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In order to obtain good health everyone must consume a balanced diet. To do this we must eat recommended amounts of food from the five food groups which are, fruit and vegetables, meat, fish & alternatives, bread, cereals & potatoes, milk & dairy and foods which contain fats and sugar. These five food groups contain the seven components of a balanced diet they are, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water.…

    • 429 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    For example, Calcium plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth, helps with blood clotting, and aids in muscle and nerve function. Calcium can be found in milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, sardines, kale and broccoli. Too much calcium can lead to kidney stones, calcium deposits, and decreased absorption of iron, zinc and magnesium.…

    • 567 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays