the principal elements in the human body, including their chemical symbols

Question 1

oxygen, O (65)

Answer 1

a component of water and other compounds; gaseous form is essential for respiration

Question 2

carbon, C (18.6)

Answer 2

found in all organic molecules

Question 3

hydrogen, H (9.7)

Answer 3

a component of water and most other compounds in the body

Question 4

nitrogen, N (3.2)

Answer 4

found in proteins, nucleic acids, and other organic compounds

Question 5

calcium, Ca (1.8)

Answer 5

found in bones and teeth; important for membrane function, nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and blood clotting

Question 6

phosphorus, P (1.0)

Answer 6

found in bones and teeth, nucleic acids, and high-energy compounds

Question 7

potassium, K (0.4)

Answer 7

important for proper membrane function, nerve impulses, and muscle contraction

Question 8

sodium, Na (0.2)

Answer 8

important for blood volume, membrane function, nerve impulses,

Question 9

chlorine, Cl (0.2)

Answer 9

important for blood volume, membrane function, and water absorption

Question 10

magnesium, Mg (0.06)

Answer 10

a cofactor for many enzymes

Question 11

sulfur, S (0.04)

Answer 11

found in many proteins

Question 12

iron, Fe (0.007)

Answer 12

essential for oxygen transport and energy capture

Question 13

what are the 12 trace elements?

Answer 13

• silicon (Si)
• fluorine (F)
• copper (Cu)
• manganese (Mn)
• zinc (Zn)
• selenium (Se)
• cobalt (Co)
• molybdenum (Mo)
• cadmium (Cd)
• chromium (Cr)
• tin (Sn)
• aluminum (Al)
• boron (B)
• vanadium (V)

Question 14

what are the functions of trace elements?

Answer 14

some function as cofactors; the functions of many trace elements are poorly understood