Different Types Of Cells In The Human Body That You Might Not Know About | Kidadl

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Different Types Of Cells In The Human Body That You Might Not Know About

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Did you know that about 95% of the cells in the human body are bacteria that help in the digestion of food!

Human cells can self-destruct themselves if they are damaged or undergo any type of infection by a process called apoptosis.

Scientists have estimated that there are about 30 trillion cells in an average healthy human body, making it one of the most complex living structures in the world. Also, different cells are made for different purposes.

Each of these different types of cells has a varying shape, size, and structure and can perform unique and special functions on its own.

What are the different types of cells?

The different types of cells include commonly known cells, such as red blood cells, skin cells, neurons or nerve cells, and fat cells. Apart from these, there are many cells that most people don’t know about! So, let’s find out about them!

  • The human body is made up of ‘cells’. They are the smallest and primary building blocks of the body.
  • These cells come together to form tissues that in turn form organs that make up the organ system.
  • Several types of cells carry their unique functionality throughout the body and keep the human system running.
  • Cells, like stem cells, differentiate themselves to become certain cell types or divide themselves into more stem cells.
  • Also, there are blood cells that are mainly differentiated into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • These cells are very important for strengthening the immune system of the body.
  • There are bone cells that have different functions, like dissolving old bones, forming new bones, or surrounding bones.
  • There are muscle cells that are responsible for the movements, support, and internal functions of the body.
  • There are nerve cells that carry out the functions of the nervous system.
  • Also, there are reproductive cells, like male sperm and female egg cells, that combine to enable reproduction.

The Formation Of Cells

The formation of cells is a complex process that seems quite simple.

  • Most of the new cells in the body are made up of other cells.
  • There are parent cells that are pre-existing in tissues.
  • When these cells mature (grow), they break down into daughter cells. This process is called the ‘cell cycle’.
  • The parent cell has to make an exact copy of its DNA which will be split into two or more daughter cells. They will share the same characteristics and genes.
  • DNA is organized into chromosomes; it is lined up in the middle of a cell and moves to the opposite side for division.
  • This is followed by cytokinesis, where the middle of the cell pinches off, splitting the cell into two or more cells.
Several types of cells carry their unique functionality

What are the different functions of cells?

The functions of human cells are very vast and important.

  • Human cells provide structure and support to the tissues that make up the vital organs of the body.
  • They are also responsible for the transportation of vital nutrients throughout the body, like oxygen and proteins.
  • They carry chemical reactions in themselves, which produce energy that circles the body.
  • Molecules, like glucose, are broken in these cells, which are responsible for fulfilling the energy requirements of the body.
  • They are also helpful in reproduction, as reproductive cells undergo meiosis which leads to the production of baby cells in female human bodies.
  • These cells carry information in the form of DNA and RNA that are necessary for directing cellular activities.
  • They contain chromosomes that are responsible for deciding the sex of the infants born, which are in the form of X and Y types.
  • Also, cells have varying life spans according to their types and functions.
  • The inability of cells to keep a check on themselves could result in the development of cancer.
  • It is why they naturally carry out apoptosis to ensure the proper development of cells and self-destruct when infected or damaged.

Amazing Facts About the Types Of Cells In Human Bodies

As we all know, the cells in the body are responsible for the healthy functioning of the body. Blood vessels not only carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells in the body but also fight infections.

  • There are certain cell divisions you should know. Red blood cells make up half of our blood and have a lifespan of 120 days.
  • A white blood cell is responsible for the fight that the human body puts up whenever there is a threat to the immune system.
  • Despite its work, this cell type contributes to less than 1% of our blood.
  • Speaking of cell types, we have fat cells that specialize in energy storage and systemic energy balance.
  • A stem cell usually develops into several cell types: muscle cells, brain cells, epithelial cells, and so on.
  • Muscle cells control the physical force of a body. There is a version of smooth muscle cells as well.
  • Skeletal muscle cell types are known as muscle fibers because of their appearance.
  • Epithelial cells line the body surface and are present in blood vessels, skin, the urinary tract, and organs.
  • Also, we have glial cells, which are non-neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.
  • While a glial cell does not produce electrical impulses, there are neurons or nerve cells that communicate and cause nerve impulses.
  • Gliomas are cancer cells that form in the glial cell body.
  • Cancer cells are different from normal cells due to a series of mutations. Large cells is a term commonly used in oncology, referring to the ones that usually indicate the presence of lymphoma and lung cancer.
  • On the other hand, bacterial cells contribute to metabolism.
  • Speaking of interesting facts, cell death is common in the human body. More than 50 million cells die in our bodies. Some parts of teeth, skin, nails, and hairs contain dead cells.
  • Did you know that bone has connective tissues, and bone tissue is usually remodeled through the actions of bone cells?
  • When we speak of the human body, we have so much to discuss, especially about cells.
  • There is a reason cells are termed as the building blocks of every living being.
  • Cells have a hand in almost all functions and formations within a human body.
  • It is amazing to know how many types of cell groups are present, each with varied functions designated to them.
  • You can find primary types of cells in animals, plants, fungi and protists.
  • Prokaryotic cells, which are one of the primary kinds, even include bacteria and archaeans. Scientists are currently working on finding the potential of cells and their functionalities, and there is so much room to learn in this area.

<p>She is a highly skilled professional with six years of experience in writing and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from PSG College of Arts and Science. In addition to her professional experience, she has also been actively involved in volunteer work, particularly with children for organizations such as the Spartans Association for Youth and as an ambassador for the Charter for Compassion. With her experience in both writing and volunteer work, Sri Dhanya is a well-rounded professional who brings a unique perspective and diverse skillset to any project she works on.</p>

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