It is found in all organisms in molecules such as amino acids (which make up proteins), nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an essential energy transfer molecule. Nitrogen comprises 3% of the human body by mass. It is present in the form of water (along with oxygen) as well as being an important element in organic molecules. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe (about 75% of total mass) and makes up around 10% of the human body by mass. Its role is mostly structural, forming the “backbone” of many organic molecules.

CarbonĬarbon is the next most common element in the human body, making up 18% of the body by mass. Oxygen plays a critical role in metabolism and respiration and the element is found in every major organic molecule in the body including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids. Most of the oxygen present is found in the form of water. Oxygen is the most common element in the human body, comprising approximately 65.0% of body mass. The function of the essential elements in the human body, by order of percentage of mass, are as follows: Oxygen Some, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are active toxins depending on the amount present. Some trace elements, such as titanium and cesium, may be contaminants. Most chemical elements found in the human body play a vital role. The function of chemical elements in the body Some of the trace elements (about a dozen or so) may be essential for life, based on laboratory evidence. The combined mass of the trace elements does not add up to the mass of magnesium, which is the least common of the non-trace elements. The remaining 0.15% of the human body is comprised of trace elements. All of these 11 elements are essential elements. Another five elements make up about 0.85% of the remaining mass: sulfur, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium.

The human body is approximately 99% comprised of just six elements: Oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, calcium, and phosphorus. Some elements are much more common than others. The structure of the building blocks that make up the sum of these parts, such as proteins and nucleic acids, is determined by the proportion and interaction of chemical elements. This requires a multitude of parts all working together in complicated relationships from the micro- to macromolecular level. The body is, for all intents and purposes, an extraordinarily complex machine. Image Credit: bestber/ Elements that make up the human body This article will discuss those elements which are present in the human body, the proportion of them, and the various essential functions they play. They make up the staggering variety of molecules that are combined to form DNA, cellular organelles, cells, tissues, and organs. By Reginald Davey Reviewed by Sophia CoveneyĬhemical elements are the building block of life.

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