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 human digestive system has the job of processing ingested food in order to extract nutrients, which are then taken up into the bloodstream. Consisting of the gastrointestinal tract—which stretches from mouth to anus and includes the...
You have two kidneys. These organs are small, shaped like a bean and perform many important functions. They're located just below the ribs, one kidney on each side of your body. If the kidneys lose some ability to function, you may not have any...
The human eye provides us with the ability to visualize the world around us. Light enters the eye through the cornea and excites special neurons on the retina. The brain receives this information and interprets it so that we are aware of what we...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27,555 people died from chronic liver disease in 2006. The liver is a very important organ, with more than 200 functions. Thus, any disorder that causes severe liver damage is...
Bone is a living tissue that is constantly remodeling itself by breaking down old cells and manufacturing new ones. Because of their designated functions, bones must be very light, so you can carry them around, and at the same time as strong as...
The human digestive system is a complicated group of organs that extracts the nutrient molecules from food, so that they can be absorbed by the bloodstream and become available to cells for energy. The functions of the digestive system are both...
The typical human body has over 600 muscles, according to "Atlas of Human Anatomy" by Frank Netter. Three types of muscle exist in the human body. Skeletal muscles are primarily responsible for moving the body and generating heat. Cardiac, or...
Throughout life, you have probably been lectured about proper nutrition by your parents, grandparents, teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists and maybe even your friends. And although you might realize that a healthy diet is important, you might not...
The human cardiovascular system is made up of the heart, which is a muscular pump, the blood and the vessels that transport the blood to various body locations. There are several different types of vessels, such as arteries, that carry blood away...
B vitamins, known collectively as B, complex, produce energy from food. They also play a role in the formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen to nourish cells and organs. Deficiency in any of the B vitamins can lead to health problems. The B...
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Kidneys play a major role in the body's daily urinary elimination. The body produces one to two liters of urine a day during the process of removing...
The liver serves many functions. It stores glucose so you have an energy reserve, makes and stores proteins, makes hormones and the factors that are needed for clotting, and gets rid of toxins. Several diseases can affect the liver and impair its...
The brain, the central command center of the body, plays a crucial role in swimming. The brain contains nerve cells that communicate with each other and with the muscles to enable the movements needed for swimming. Swimming involves brain...
Compared with other primates, humans have very little hair on their bodies. However, what hair we do have serves various important functions, depending on its location. Hair collects sweat and protects us from damaging sun rays and from particles...
Proteins are present throughout the body, providing structure and helping create important substances required for good health. This nutrient is a necessary component of the human diet. The body cannot store proteins as it does fats and...
The human body is comprised of over 600 muscles. The muscular system makes up nearly half of a person's body weight. There are three different types of muscles in the body: skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles and smooth muscles. All three types of...
People participate in sports and other athletic endeavors for a variety of reasons. Whether you join a soccer league for the exercise, competition, to relieve stress or simply to meet new people, participating in sports serves numerous possible...
About 2 million years ago, a human brain was half the size of today's human brain. Your brain controls everything about you: breathing, thought, movement and interaction with others. Animals have brains that look similar to the human brain in most...
Despite the fact that we have yet to identify where certain memories are located in the brain, we have learned a lot about the brain's structures that are involved in memory. Moreover, we can now identify many neurotransmitters and hormones that...
You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Many people associate the word "calcium" with bone health; however, calcium is involved in a whole host of functions. From helping enzymes work to aiding in your cellular functioning,...
If you've had hepatitis or have a family history of liver disease, eat a balanced diet that encourages liver health. A compromised liver may have difficulty processing the nutrients in fatty or high-protein foods. Moving away from red meats and...
Potassium and sodium ions act as power generators inside the cells of your body. Neurons are cells located throughout your nervous system. They communicate information to perform important tasks such as regulating your body temperature or flexing...
Carbohydrates supply the bulk of foods that people consume, from fruits and vegetables to grain-based foods. They provide energy to fuel your cells and keep your body functioning. They also provide important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients...
Magnesium is linked to cardiovascular health and a healthy immune system, along with being essential for bone strength. Magnesium has also been linked to blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Getting enough magnesium seems to be a problem in the...
The USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 states that Americans under-consume some foods and that their intakes of certain nutrients are low enough to be of concern to public health officials. One of these nutrients is the mineral...
You've heard a lot about the importance of calcium in your diet, especially in connection with preventing osteoporosis. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, most Americans fall far short of consuming the recommended daily amount of calcium,...
Iron is one of the most important minerals that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes of the body. It can be obtained from a variety of dietary sources such as red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, spinach and broccoli. The...
The popularity of low-carbohydrate diets like the South Beach Diet and the Atkins Diet has, for some, turned this food category into something to be avoided. Don't characterize all carbohydrates as bad, however. Carbohydrates are present in many...
