Elements in the Human Body
Carbon
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Phosphorus
Chlorine
Elements in the Human Body
•
99% of the mass of the human body is made up
of only six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen,
nitrogen,
, and
.
• Every organic molecule contains carbon. Since
65-90% of each body cell consists of water H2O, it
isn't surprising that oxygen and hydrogen are
major components of the body.
Here's is a look at the major elements in the
body and what these elements do.
Oxygen
65% of Body Weight
• Oxygen is present in water and other
compounds. Oxygen is necessary for
respiration. You will find this element in the
lungs, since about 20% of the air you breathe
is oxygen.
• Oxygen is Non-Metal.
18.6% of Body Weight
• Carbon is found in every organic molecule in
the body. Carbon is ingested in food that is
eaten and breathed in as a component of air.
It is found in the lungs as a waste product of
respiration, carbon dioxide.
• Carbon is a Non-metal.
Hydrogen
9.7% of Body Weight
•Hydrogen is a component of
the water molecules in the
body, as well as most other
compounds.
•Hydrogen is a Non-metal.
3.2% of Body Weight
• Nitrogen is a component of proteins, nucleic
acids, and other organic compounds.
Nitrogen gas is found in the lungs, since most
of the air you breathe consists of this
element.
• Nitrogen is a Non-metal.
1.8% of Body Weight
• Calcium is a major component of the skeletal
system. It is found in bones and teeth.
Calcium is also found in the nervous system,
muscles, and blood. It conducts nerve
impulses, regulates muscle contractions, and
blood clotting. Because it makes up such a
large part of the skeleton, about one-third of
the mass of human body comes from
calcium.
• Calcium is in the metal group.
1.0% of Body Weight
• Phosphorus is found in the nucleus of every
cell. 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, and to supply nutrients to the
nerves.
• Phosphorus is in the group non-metal.
0.4% of Body Weight
• Potassium primarily is found in the muscles and
nerves. Potassium is important for membrane
function, nerve impulses, and muscle
contractions. Potassium ions are found in
cellular cytoplasm. The electrolyte helps to
attract oxygen and remove toxins from the
tissues.
• Potassium is an alkali metals.
0.2% of Body Weight
• Sodium is important for proper nerve and
muscle function. It is excreted in perspiration.
• Sodium is an alkali metal.
0.2% of Body Weight
• Chlorine aids in cellular absorption of water.
Chlorine is a part of hydrochloric acid, used to
digest food. It is involved in proper cell
membrane function.
• Chlorine is a halogen and is in the
Non-Metals
12
Mg
0.06% of Body Weight
Magnesium
• Magnesium is a cofactor for enzymes in the
body.
• Magnesium is needed for strong teeth and
bones
• Magnesium is in the
Alkaline Earth group
0.04% of Body Weight
• Sulfur is a component of many amino
acids and proteins.
• Sulfur is in the Non-metals group.
Bibliography
• http://chemistry.about.com/od/periodictablee
lements/ig/Elements-in-the-Human-Body/
• http://www.chemicalelements.com/