Elements in the Human Body.docx

1、Elements in the Human BodyElements in the Human Body99% of the mass of the human body is made up of only six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. Every organic molecule contains carbon. Since 65-90% of each body cell consists of water (by weight), it isnt surprising

2、 that oxygen and hydrogen are major components of the body. Heres is a look at the major elements in the body and what these elements do.OxygenCarbonHydrogenNitrogenCalciumPhosphorusPotassiumSodiumChlorineMagnesiumSulfurOxygen65% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideOxygen is prese

3、nt in water and other compounds.1 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Liquid oxygen in an unsilvered dewar flask. Liquid oxygen is blue.Warwick Hillier, Australia National University, CanberraOxygen is necessary for respiration. You will find this element in the lungs, since about 20% of the air you breathe

4、 is oxygen.Carbon18.6% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideCarbon is found in every organic molecule in the body.2 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Photograph of graphite, one of the forms of elemental carbon.U.S. Geological SurveyCarbon is ingested in food that is eaten and breathed i

5、n as a component of air. It is found in the lungs as a waste product of respiration, carbon dioxide.Hydrogen9.7% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideHydrogen is a component of the water molecules in the body, as well as most other compounds.3 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next NGC 604, a

6、 region of ionized hydrogen in the Triangulum Galaxy.Nitrogen3.2% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideNitrogen is a component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other organic compounds.4 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Image of solid, liquid, and gaseous nitrogen.chemdude1, YouTNitrogen

7、gas is found in the lungs, since most of the air you breathe consists of this element.Calcium1.8% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideCalcium is a major component of the skeletal system. It is found in bones and teeth.5 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Calcium is a metal. It readily ox

8、idizes in air. Because it makes up such a large part of the skeleton, about one-third of the mass of human body comes from calcium, after water has been removed.Tomihahndorf, Creative Commons LicenseCalcium is also found in the nervous system, muscles, and the blood where it is integral in proper me

9、mbrane function, conducting nerve impulses, regulating muscle contractions, and blood clotting.Phosphorus1.0% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuidePhosphorus is found in the nucleus of every cell.6 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Red phosphorus is one of several forms taken by this ele

10、ment.RTC, wikipedia.orgPhosphorus is part of nucleic acids, energy compounds, and phosphate buffers. The element is incorporated into the bones, combines with other elements including iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium. It is necessary for sexual function and reproduction, muscle growth,

11、 and to supply nutrients to the nerves.Potassium0.4% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuidePotassium primarily is found in the muscles and nerves as an ion.7 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Chunk of potassium metal with peroxides/superoxides (yellow crystals) and ozonide (red coloring)

12、on its surfaceJustin Urgitis, www.wikipedia.orgPotassium is important for membrane function, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. Potassium cations are found in cellular cytoplasm. The electrolyte helps to attract oxygen and remove toxins from the tissues.Sodium0.2% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie H

13、elmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideSodium is important for proper nerve and muscle function. It is excreted in perspiration.8 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Sodium metal chunks under mineral oil.Chlorine0.2% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideChlorine aids in cellular absorption of water. It

14、 is the major anion in body fluids.9 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next This is a sample of pure chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is a pale greenish yellow color.Greenhorn1, public domainChlorine is a part of hydrochloric acid, used to digest food. It is involved in proper cell membrane function.Magnesium0.06% o

15、f Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideMagnesium is a cofactor for enzymes in the body.10 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Photograph of the element magnesium, with a penny to indicate size of the sample.U.S. Geological SurveyMagnesium is needed for strong teeth and bones.Sulfur0.04% of Body WeightBy Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., A GuideSulfur is a component of many amino acids and proteins.11 of 11Gallery IndexPrev Next Crystals of the nonmetallic element sulfur.