Post 2: Chapter 1 Question 4

As organisms, we can metabolize, grow, digest food, and excrete wastes. We also have other functions that we must perform to survive. The factors that we need in order to survive include nutrients, oxygen, water, and appropriate temperature and atmospheric pressure. In order for the body to survive, we need food, oxygen, and water. Our body can take in the nutrients of food, which contain chemicals, for energy and cell building. Oxygen is also needed to create chemical reactions that release energy from foods. Oxygen is also in blood and body cells to help the respiratory and cardiovascular systems function. Water provides the fluid base for body secretions and excretions. We ingest water from foods and is lost from evaporation in the lungs, skin, and other body excretions. Being able to maintain body temperature is another important function for survival. It prevents the body from slowing down metabolic reactions or causing the body to break down too rapidly. The last function that is very important for the body to survive is being able to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The atmospheric pressure determines the force of air that the body is exerting. In conclusion, the body has many functions that are needed to sustain life. The body takes in nutrients, which works with oxygen to create energy and cell building. The oxygen also acts a catalyst for chemical reactions to occur in the body and water provides body secretions and excretions. The body can also regulate body temperature to keep organs running and can regulate breathing depending on atmospheric pressure.