Why Is Cellular Respiration Important

Without a doubt, cellular respiration, the process of converting energy from nutrients into ATP and then releasing waste products, is important to the human body. In fact, many of our organ systems wouldn’t even be able to function if it weren’t for cellular respiration. These include the excretory, respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems, which carry out some of the most significant actions. Additionally, the body needs mitochondria to produce ATP in order to power cells and enable them to perform the basic processes of life. Cellular respiration begins in the digestive system- its main function is to break down the nutrients in your food, absorb them, and then eliminate any wastes. First, food is partly broken down into a paste by the process of chewing and by the action of salivary enzymes. After being chewed and swallowed, the food enters the esophagus- a long tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. It uses peristalsis to force food from the throat into the stomach. The stomach churns the food and bathes it in a very strong acid, although the pancreas neutralizes stomach acid and regulates blood sugar levels. There are also “accessory organs,” including the liver and the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which the liver produces to help break fat …show more content…
The breaking down of nutrients creates urea and excess salts while the remaining water is disposed of by the kidneys. They are in charge of balancing acids and bases and removing excess ions, toxins, medications, and urea from blood, among other things. Nephrons found in these organs filter the blood to create urine, since proteins and blood cells cannot pass through the walls of capillaries. It is then carried to the bladder by the ureter. Finally, another tube coming from the bladder (the urethra) delivers the urine outside of the