A human body
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Written by, Last Modified: June 14, 2023 • Fact-checked by History of Article
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The physical component of the human organism, the human body is made up of extracellular and live cells and is divided into many tissues, organs, and systems.
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Of course, humans are animals; more specifically, they are members of the order Primates, which belongs to the phylum Chordata's subphylum Vertebrata. Like other chordates, humans have a bilaterally symmetrical body that is defined by a dorsal supporting rod (the notochord), gill slits near the throat, and a hollow dorsal nerve cord at some time in its development. The first two of these characteristics are only present in the human embryo; the pharyngeal gill slits are completely eliminated, and the notochord is replaced by the vertebral column. In humans, the spinal cord, or dorsal nerve cord, lasts for the whole of life.
However, there are some significant variances that go beyond these similarities. Only humans among mammals have a posture that is primarily based on two legs (bipedalism), which has significantly altered the overall structure of mammals. (Even the kangaroo utilizes its tail as a "third leg" when standing and walks on four legs when moving quickly.) The human brain is also by far the most advanced in the animal kingdom, with the neocortex in particular. Even though many other mammals, like chimpanzees and dolphins, are intelligent, none have attained the intellectual level of the human species.
Chemically speaking, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids make up the majority of the human body along with water. The body's extracellular fluids (blood plasma, lymph, and interstitial fluid), as well as the cells themselves, all include water. Without it, the chemistry of life would not be possible. It acts as a solvent. The weight of the human body is roughly 60% water.
The main structural elements of the human body are lipids, including fats, phospholipids, and steroids. In addition to acting as insulation and shock absorbers, fats give the body a reserve of energy.
The body is made up of different inorganic minerals as well as water and organic molecules. Calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and iron are among the most important of these. The body's bones are largely composed of calcium-phosphate crystals, which are composed of calcium and phosphorus. Along with sodium, calcium is also present as ions in the blood and interstitial fluid. On the other hand, the intercellular fluid is rich in phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium ions. These ions all have important functions in the body's metabolic processes. Iron is mostly found in hemoglobin, the pigment that gives red blood cells their ability to carry oxygen. Cobalt, copper, iodine, manganese, and other minerals are also present in small but required proportions in the body.
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