What does oxygen do in human body

The Oxygen is a highly soluble element that is critical to biological functions, notably respiration. It comprises about 16 to 21 percent of Earth’s atmosphere, allowing it to be inhaled and converted to carbon dioxide to power the cells of aerobic organisms.

Most animals and plants on Earth require oxygen to survive. As an element, oxygen builds the critical components of the biosphere: water, soil and air. According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, oxygen accounts for “two-thirds of the human body and nine-tenths of water.”

Almost half of Earth’s crust is made of oxygen compounds making oxygen as potentially destructive as it is necessary for life. The way that oxygen reacts with almost all elements has inspired a variety of medical applications. Oxygen is often given to medical patients to ease distressed respiration processes.