Computers, like human cells, perform many functions. In some cases, functions of a computer overlap slightly with functions of a human cell, while in other cases, there are significant differences between the functions that the two perform....
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body but yet accounts for only 2 percent of its weight, according to the University of Washington. The brain, along with the spinal cord, makes up the central nervous system. The University of...
Collagen is an important protein that can be found throughout your body. In fact, it is found in all the connective tissues in your body ranging from your skin and bones, all the way down to your organs and blood vessels. Collagen functions...
The brain consists of three functional regions, which developed at differing times over the course of human evolution. The newest and most complex area of the brain is the forebrain, which consists of the cerebrum and its underlying support...
The pedometer is often thought of as a recent invention, but in fact it dates back over 200 years. The invention of the pedometer is credited to the former United States president, Thomas Jefferson. Over the years, the pedometer has been refined...
Comprised of bone and cartilage, the nose separates into two hollow nostrils. The nostrils open up to the hollow sinus spaces in the head. Some conditions, such as nasal polyps or seasonal allergies, may hinder the functions of the nose. As part...
The prostate is a walnut-sized exocrine gland of the male reproductive system. It is located in the lower pelvic region and serves many important functions in reproduction. Healthy prostate function is important for males, as its primary goal is...
Proteins are the most abundant and diverse molecules in your body. Proteins are made up of amino acids. Although more than 300 different amino acids exist, only 20 are commonly found in your body. Of these, eight are considered essential amino...
DHEA is a steroid produced by the adrenal gland, brain and gonads and is created from cholesterol. DHEA regulates the reproductive hormones estrogen and testosterone, and is an important chemical for humans and many mammals. Because DHEA is...
The skeleton is the part of the human body that is made up of bones. The normal human adult has 206 bones that work together to perform numerous functions that are essential for life. Without the skeleton, humans would not have evolved to become...
The skeleton consists of 206 bones, according to the Minnesota State University (MNSU) Biology Department. When put together, the skeletal system provides the base framework to which all the other tissues and organs attach, forming the human body....
Vitamins K and E are two of the four fat-soluble vitamins required daily in small amounts for human health. They perform a variety of functions in the body. The primary role of vitamin K is in aiding in normal blood clotting and forming bone,...
The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, alimentary canal or gut, is a series of hollow organs that form a long tube from the mouth to the anus. The organs of the digestive system include the mouth, pharynx, esophagus,...
Cholesterol is the medical term for a waxy material found in your body, obtained from food sources and also produced by your body itself. Excess amounts of cholesterol can lead to heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood...
The liver is an organ located just below the diaphragm in humans and is made up of four lobes. The left lobe, right lobe, quadrate lobe and caudate lobe make up the structure of the liver. Each of the lobes of the liver consist of liver lobules,...
Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is an essential vitamin for health. Pyridoxine, along with the other B vitamins, is a water-soluble vitamin. This means it is readily excreted in the urine, making it important to obtain pyridoxine as a regular part of...
The arteries are the highway system of the body. They provide an extensive network throughout the body to transport needed supplies to the cells and eliminate waste products. Arteries come in a variety of sizes that range from the large aorta in...
Goalkeepers are used in many sports where scoring a goal is involved, such as soccer, hockey, water polo and lacrosse. Also called a goalie, keeper, goaltender or netminder, the goalkeeper's main function is to prevent the opposing team from...
Cortisol is a hormone that is manufactured and released by the adrenal glands located on the top of each kidney. The release of the hormone is controlled by another hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland. Cortisol has...
The majority of the 98.6 million American adults who have been given the news that they have high cholesterol generally understand they are at risk for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, adults with cholesterol levels over...
The liver is a four-lobed, triangular-shaped organ weighing a little more than 3 pounds. It is the largest gland in the human body, according to Procto-med.com. The liver is part of the gastrointestinal system and is located in the upper abdomen...
Sterols, also known as steroid alcohols, are a class of chemicals that play multiple important roles in the body. They have parts that can dissolve in fat like molecules and parts that can dissolve in water. The most widely known human sterol is...
Estrogen is one of the main sex hormones in the body. It is mainly produced by the ovaries, but can be produced in men and women by other tissues like fat (adipose) tissue, the brain and the reproductive organs. There are receptors for estrogen on...
Strictly speaking, 1 calorie is how much energy it takes to raise 1 g of water 1 degree Celsius. But in popular use, the term calorie typically refers to a kilocalorie, which is 1,000 calories. Generally, unless you are reading scientific...
The bladder, a hollow sac located behind the pubic bone, is an integral organ of the urinary system. The main functions of the bladder are to store urine that is produced by the kidneys and excrete it from the body. To fulfill these functions the...
Your skeletal muscles develop tension, or contract, to produce movement. A muscle can also contract to prevent movement that would otherwise be taking place. In both cases, muscles can only exert these influences at the joints they cross. The...
The brain is the body's decision and communication center. It controls every part of a person's daily life, from breathing to learning and from perception to speaking. Although scientists have a clear understanding of where and how people process...
Cognition refers to the higher order functions that are needed for learning and interacting with a person's environment. Each human brain is capable of multiple cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, executive functions and language. Each...
Molybdenum is a silvery metal that is used in steel alloys in manufacturing. Your body uses this element to ward off disease, such as certain types of cancer, generate energy in your cells, and remove wastes from your kidneys. According to Mary...