Cellular Functions in the Body (Part I)

October 2006: Volume 1 Number 10

In our last discussion we talked about the minerals or electrolytes in plants and how they help us to be healthy. This discussion will be about how cells function in the body. It will be split into two parts.

Our bodies develop from one cell. Each cell provides the power to help other cells become specialized to perform one function and other specialized cells to perform other functions. All of these coordinated functions make us who we are and how we act. Cells become highly developed to perform functions, such as communications, conductivity, movement, metabolic activity, secretion, excretion, respiration and reproduction.

            Communication – This function is critical for the homeostasis and function of all the cells of the body. In fact, if cells were not able to receive communication, they would die or be uncontrollable in their activities.

            Conductivity – This function helps cells to communicate with each other. A stimulus becomes an electrical potential along the surface of cells. Nerve cells use this function the most, but all cells use conductivity to communicate.

            Movement – After cells communicate through the function of conductivity, they may move to perform their specific function by moving to create a desired effect in coordination with other cells, elements and body systems.

            Metabolic Activity – As a result of movement, there is metabolic activity in the body. This function is performed in cells. All cells take in and use nutrients, and with cell metabolic organization the waste products are remove from the cells. The metabolic activities of intestines are to absorb nutrients from the blood stream and synthesize protein enzymes. The kidneys and liver filters the toxins received from the cells, which change their solubility by these organs, so they can be expelled from the body by other cells functioning in their specialized capacity. Lysosomes function as a cellular digestive system to break down molecules so they can be used or removed from the cell by other functions.

            Secretion – This activity is part of the metabolic processes. Some specialized cells synthesize new substances at local locations where they are needed and some are carried to activity sites where they can cause other cells to function. Adrenal glands, testis, ovary, gallbladder and other organs secrete steroid hormones that cause other areas in the body to function.

            We will continue the rest of this discussion in our next publication.

© Copyright 2006 Cellular Functions in the Body (Part I)