________ is essential in our bodies.

Oxygen is essential for human survival because it plays a critical role in the process of cellular respiration. This is the method by which our bodies generate energy from the food we consume. When we inhale, oxygen enters our lungs and is transported by red blood cells to every cell in our body. Once inside the cells, oxygen is used to help convert glucose, which comes from the food we eat, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency that powers various biological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and metabolic functions.

Without oxygen, our cells would not be able to efficiently produce energy, leading to a breakdown in vital bodily functions. This is why maintaining proper oxygen levels in the body is crucial for overall health and physical performance.