Human Body: Chemical Elements

• The human body consists of many chemical elements that form different chemical compounds and participate in necessary life processes.
• The most common elements in the human body composition are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Oxygen (O)

• It is the most abundant element in the human body.
• Oxygen contributes to all body cells, especially in blood plasma.
• It plays an important role in energy production in cells during respiration.
• Oxygen is found in many compounds, like water and organic molecules.

Carbon (C)

• Carbon is an essential element for all organic molecules necessary for life.
• Carbon is found in hydrocarbons, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
• It plays an important role in all fundamental life processes in the body.
• Different combinations of carbon molecules determine the structure and metabolism of living organisms.

Hydrogen (H)

• Hydrogen is found in many molecules of the body, including water and organic compounds.
• It is important for energy production and chemical reactions in the body.
• The hydrogen atom is in the water molecule and is an essential component of metabolism in the body.

Nitrogen (N)

• Nitrogen is one of the important elements in the human body.
• It is found in proteins because amino acids consist of nitrogen.
• Nitrogen is also present in DNA and RNA molecules.
• It plays an important role in all life processes in the body.
• Nitrogen is involved in storing and transmitting genetic information.

Calcium (Ca)

• Calcium is an essential element that is included in the composition of bones and teeth.
• It is involved in heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse.
• Calcium deficiency in the body can lead to osteoporosis, muscle spasms, and other diseases.

Phosphorus (P)

• Phosphorus is an important element in the structure of bones and teeth, together with calcium forms the mineral structures of the body.
• Phosphorus is found in DNA, RNA, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules.
• ATP is a molecule that carries energy of cells.

Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na)

• Potassium and sodium are important electrolytes in intracellular and extracellular fluids.
• They are involved in the transport of ions between cells, nerve conductivity, and muscle contraction.
• The balance of potassium and sodium allows the body to maintain water balance.

Magnesium (Mg)

• Magnesium is a catalyst for many enzymes and chemical reactions.
• It is found in bone and is involved in muscle contractility, heart function, as well as the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Iron (Fe)

• Iron is part of the hemoglobin molecule that carries oxygen.
• It is known as the red pigment of blood.
• The lack of iron in the body can lead to anemia.

Iodine (I)

• Iodine is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, especially thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones.
• These hormones regulate metabolism in the body.
• Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid disease, especially goiter.

Copper (Cu)

• Copper is involved in the transport of iron in the body and is part of many enzymes.
• Copper has antioxidant properties and protects cells from harmful free radicals.
• The human body contains more than 70 chemical elements, each of which performs its own important functions.
• Elements in the human body, take part in the course of chemical reactions in the body and ensure the livelihood of the body.
• Deficiency or excess may harm health.
• Healthy eating and care are important.