Anatomy_and_Physiology_files/A&P2Notes
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Chemicals in the
body
Chapter 2
Elements
Our bodies are a form of matter
Matter is made of elements
Therefore our body is made of elements
4 main elements make up the majority of
the body (96%)
Oxygen (65%)
Carbon (18.5%)
Hydrogen (9.5%)
Nitrogen (3.2%)
Elements
These four are the fundamental
elements in most organic and some
inorganic compounds
Explains why they are so common
However, there are many other
elements involved in the body
Each has their own unique function
that they serve and problems that
will occur if they are not present
Sodium
Roles
Nerve impulses
Fluid balance
Acid-base
Deficiency
dehydration
Zinc
Roles
maintenance of immune system
Co-factor for enzymes (metabolism of
carbohydrates)
Smell and Taste
Deficiency
Impaired taste and smell
Increased infections
Copper
Roles
Red blood cell (hemoglobin)
production
Deficiency?
Chlorine
Roles
Acid-base balance
Fluid balance
Deficiency
Alkolosis
Dehydration
Similar roles to what other element?
Iodine
Roles
Normal metabolism-production of
thyroid hormones
Deficiency
Goiter
Hypothyroidism
Iron
Roles
Red blood cell production (part of
protein hemoglobin)
Deficiency
Anemia (most common deficiency
world-wide)
Lack energy
Shortness of breath
Why are women at a higher risk for
deficiency?
Chromium
Roles
Co-factors for enzymes to catabolize
fats
Insulin metabolism
Synthesis of cholesterol
Deficiency
Impaired HDL
Inability to stabilize sugar levels in
blood
Calcium
Roles
Bones
Muscle contraction
Nerve impulses in the brain
Deficiency
Osteoporosis
Cramps
Muscle spasm
Potassium
Roles
Help transfer materials in and out of
cells
Nerve impulses
Deficiency
Muscle cramping
Inability to conduct nerve impulses
Vitamin B6
Roles
Amino acid metabolism
Antibody formation
Deficiency?
Vitamin C
Roles
Improves iron absorption
Antioxidant
Deficiency
scurvy
1. An individual experiences
shortness of breath due to lack of
oxygen transported to tissues.
2. An individual experiences
irregularity in metabolic processes
because enzymes are not activated.
3. An individual experiences
muscle cramping along with a
water imbalance. Also, the ability
to conduct nerve impulses is being
hindered.
4. An individual experiences
weak bones.
5. An individual experience
problems with metabolism due to
lack of functionality among thyroid
hormones.
6. An individual experiences a
lack of cellular energy.
7. An individual experiences
dizziness and a headache due to
blood alkalosis
Bonding and Reactions
One of the primary functions of all
elements in the body is to react and
bond to create compounds
2 main types of reactions
Synthesis (A + B -> AB)
Decomposition (AB -> A + B)
Examples of Reactions
Exchange Reaction
The Synth. and Decomp. reactions
will often combine to create an
Exchange Reaction.
AB + C -> AC + B
AB + CD -> AD + CB
Biochemistry: Compounds
All chemicals in the body fall into
two categories
Inorganic Compounds
Organic Compounds
Both categories are important, just
in different ways
Inorganic Compounds:
Water
Most abundant inorganic compound in
the body
Characteristics that make it valuable
High Heat Capacity
Prevents sudden body temp changes
It’s a great solvent
Can help transport substances
Chemical reactivity
Hydrolysis reactions – break down food
Cushioning (ex. Brain)
Inorganic Compounds:
Salts and Acids & Bases
Salts
Serve as electrolytes
Nerve impulses, muscle contraction,
transport substances
Acids and Bases
Also serve as electrolytes
Play huge role in reactions
Proton donors or accepters
Maintain body pH
Organic Compounds:
Carbohydrates