Pie Chart Of Elements In The Human Body
Have you ever wondered what makes up the human body? It turns out that our bodies are made up of a lot of different elements, each with its own unique properties and functions. In this article, we will explore the pie chart of elements in the human body and learn more about what makes us who we are.
The Elements in the Human Body
There are 118 known elements in the periodic table, but only a few of them are found in the human body. In fact, 99% of the mass of the human body is made up of just six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. These six elements form the basis of our biological molecules, which are the building blocks of life.
Oxygen
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body, making up 65% of our body weight. It is essential for cellular respiration, which is the process by which our cells convert food into energy. Without oxygen, our cells would not be able to function properly, and we would not be able to survive.
Carbon
Carbon is the second most abundant element in the human body, making up 18% of our body weight. It is found in all of our biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbon is also essential for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the third most abundant element in the human body, making up 10% of our body weight. It is found in all of our biological molecules, and it is also an important component of water, which makes up 60% of our body weight.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the fourth most abundant element in the human body, making up 3% of our body weight. It is an essential component of proteins and nucleic acids, which are important for the structure and function of our cells. Nitrogen is also important for the growth and development of plants, which are a major source of food for humans.
Calcium
Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the human body, making up 1.5% of our body weight. It is essential for the structure and function of our bones and teeth, and it is also important for muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is the sixth most abundant element in the human body, making up 1% of our body weight. It is an essential component of our bones and teeth, and it is also important for energy metabolism and cell signaling.
Other Elements
While the six elements mentioned above make up the majority of the human body, there are also several other elements that are found in smaller amounts. These include:
- Iron (0.004%) – important for oxygen transport in the blood
- Sodium (0.14%) – important for fluid balance and nerve function
- Potassium (0.25%) – important for muscle contraction and nerve function
- Magnesium (0.05%) – important for energy production and muscle function
- Zinc (0.003%) – important for enzyme function and immune system function
- Copper (0.0001%) – important for enzyme function and iron transport in the blood
- Selenium (0.00005%) – important for antioxidant function
Conclusion
The pie chart of elements in the human body may seem like a simple concept, but it is actually quite complex. Each element plays a crucial role in the structure and function of our cells, organs, and tissues, and without them, we would not be able to survive. By understanding the elements in our bodies, we can better appreciate the incredible complexity and beauty of the human body.