What Do Fats Do in the Body?
It's common knowledge that too much cholesterol and other fats can lead to disease, and that a healthy diet involves watching how much fatty food we eat. However, our bodies need a certain amount of fat to function—and we can't make it from scratch.
Triglycerides, cholesterol and other essential fatty acids—the scientific term for fats the body can't make on its own—store energy, insulate us and protect our vital organs. They act as messengers, helping proteins do their jobs. They also start chemical reactions that help control growth, immune function, reproduction and other aspects of basic metabolism.
The cycle of making, breaking, storing and mobilizing fats is at the core of how humans and all...
Anatomy
What Do Fats Do in the Body?
- 24 February 2012
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Spine Basics
- 24 February 2012
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Understanding your spine and how it works can help you better understand some of the problems that occur from aging or injury.
Many demands are placed on your spine. It holds up your head, shoulders, and upper body. It gives you support to stand up straight, and gives you flexibility to bend and twist. It also protects your spinal cord.
Spinal Curves
Your spine is made up of three segments. When viewed from the side, these segments form three natural curves. The "c-shaped" curves of...
Many demands are placed on your spine. It holds up your head, shoulders, and upper body. It gives you support to stand up straight, and gives you flexibility to bend and twist. It also protects your spinal cord.
Spinal Curves
Your spine is made up of three segments. When viewed from the side, these segments form three natural curves. The "c-shaped" curves of...