Page 43 - DK Children's Encyclopedia
P. 43
Body cells SEE ALSO
▸ ▸ Cells p.56
▸ ▸ Genes p.119
Body parts are made up of tiny things called cells. Cells ▸ ▸ Human body
have important jobs to do, like sending messages, turning p.130
food into energy, and fighting off germs. Every cell has a ▸ ▸ Microscopic life
particular job to do to keep the body healthy. p.165
▸ ▸ Sickness p.225
▸ ▸ Skin p.229
Inside a cell
All our body cells have an Nucleus
outer shell with a liquid The nucleus is the control
inside. In the very center center of the cell. It
contains instructions
of the cell is a core, called genes.
called the nucleus.
Cell membrane
The membrane is
the edge of the cell.
Mitochondria It allows things to
These tiny structures move in and out.
release energy to
power the cell.
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm is a
liquid inside the cell
where chemicals There are
mix together to approximately
bring the cell to life.
37.2 trillion
cells in the
human body!
Types of cell Red blood cells Nerve cells have
Cells come in many pick up oxygen long stems. They
different sizes and from the lungs carry electrical
shapes. Each one is and transport it messages to
perfectly suited for around the body. the brain.
the job it does in
the body. Cells can
divide to make more
of themselves. White blood cells Fat cells store and Intestine cells
change shape and release energy. are frilly. The
squeeze in They protect the frills absorb
between other body from bumps useful nutrients
cells to kill germs. and knocks. from food.
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