The Cell

The Cell 

In Modules 2.1 and 2.2 we have already laid out the basics, presenting the overall systems of the body. Modules 2.5 and 2.13 will detail each of these various systems (circulatory system, immune system, glandular system, etc.), the organs and glands that comprise them, as well as their related functions.
Before we discuss the systems, organs and glands, however, let’s start at the beginning: with the cell. As all of creation is made up of atoms, so your body—bones, tissues, organs and glands— is made up of cells.
The body has over 75 trillion cells, each as individual as you are. They each perform a specific function, while all working together in harmony to form a social (body) consciousness. In other words, all your cells depend upon each other and work together for the life and functioning of the body.
As the microcosm is a reflection of the macrocosm, a body is a reflection of each of its cells, each being a society unto itself. Each cell is actually like a completely self-sustaining city, taking care of all its own functions, with two exceptions. All cells need an external source of energy (or connection) to this world, and they all need to eliminate their wastes. Let’s examine the “city” or “universe” of the cell.
There are many different systems or structures within a city (like the highway department, for instance) that perform specific functions aimed at the survival and productivity of that city. The same is true within each cell. It has a courthouse (nucleus) where all the records (genetic information) are kept. Within the courthouse (nucleus) you have government employees (nucleoli) who carry out the daily activities and needs that are required for the “men in the field” (ribosomes). All of the above determine the individuality of the cells and their functions.
The atmosphere and the living substance of a cell is called cytoplasm. The city (or cell) is surrounded and protected by a wall and gate system called the plasma membrane or cell wall membrane. This “cellular wall” has gatekeepers that allow or disallow substances into the cell.
The courthouse (nucleus) is also surrounded by a protective and functional wall called the nuclear envelope. There are workers that carry information (substances) from the courthouse (nucleus) to the city and from the city (body or cytoplasm) to the nucleus. These workers are called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER for short).

Extra-cellular substances = substances outside the cells
Intra-cellular substances = substances inside the cells

The Golgi apparatus is named for Camillo Golgi (individuals who discover things like to put their names on them). Golgi was an Italian histologist who uncovered the function of these curved stacks of membrane-bound sacs within cells, which act as factories. They collect, modify, package and distribute the proteins and lipids that are manufactured by the ER. These proteins are present in large amounts in the pancreas, salivary glands, liver, and other organs.
In our cities we have transporters and storage facilities. These are called vesicles within cells. Secretory vesicles break off from the Golgi apparatus with the materials manufactured by the ER, and carry these to the outer cell membrane wall, where this material is then dumped or carried out into the world of the body. Some vesicles act as holding tanks until the “created” or “manufactured” product is needed. An example of this is the hormone insulin, which is held in vesicles in the beta cells of the pancreas. When the body’s blood glucose levels rise, these vesicles then release their stored insulin into the blood to assist cellular utilization of glucose.
As in any city, we need protection from invaders. Many cells act as protectors of the body. These are called immune cells. Within each cell, the lysosomes are vesicles that contain a variety of enzymes that are used for intracellular sanitation and elimination (digestive) functions. Macro-phages (the white blood cells, or WBCs, for example) ingest bacteria (antigens or pathogens). The lysosomes within your cells “eat” or “digest” (break apart) and destroy the invader.
Now what’s a city without power? The powerhouse for a cell is its mitochondria. These are bean- or rod-shaped organelles (specialized organs or structures) that produce, store and release adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is the energy source for most chemical reactions within the cell. Mitochondria use oxygen (oxidative metabolism) which allows ATP to be produced.
The skeletal portions of the cells (or the “structures” of the city) are called cytoskeleton, which is made up of proteins (chained and bound amino acids). Within the cytoskeleton there are several structures, all of which play a role in its flexibility, shape and size. These are called microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments.
It is noteworthy to mention that some cells have cilia, which are hair-like extensions from the outer membrane wall. They can vary in number from one to thousands. Their coordinated job is to move mucus. You can especially see this in the respiratory tract where mucus is secreted by the lymphatic mucosa of the lining of the lungs and bronchi. The action of the cilia allows the body to keep its lungs clear of dust or other particles that could damage (or affect) its functions.
Some cells have what are called microvilli, which are projections of the outer cell membrane wall. This is especially true of kidneys and intestinal wall cells where additional absorption of nutrients is necessary.
Now you can see how a cell “acts like” and is “created like” a city. All the worlds (creations) of God are just a mirror reflection of each other, from the macrocosm (the largest “world”) to the microcosm (the smallest).
To understand the nature of your cells, it’s also important to understand the different ways that nutrients or elements can enter through the cell membrane wall. Basically, there are two conditions diffusion or osmosis that allow this process to happen.

How Nutrients Enter the Cells
DIFFUSION
Molecules or substances move from a higher or greater concentration of particles into a lesser concentration in a solution. A common example of this is how a concentrated sugar cube disperses in a glass of water.
OSMOSIS
This is a type of diffusion in which molecules or substances move from a less concentrated solution to a higher or more concentrated solution or fluid. Osmosis and the rate of osmosis depend upon several factors that facilitate this action. First and primarily, the osmotic pressures on each side of the cell membrane wall. Secondly, the permeability of the membrane. Thirdly, the electrical potential across the membrane wall and its pores.

A great percentage of osmosis and “facilitated” diffusion requires an “active transporter.” An active transporter simply means that a “carrier” or “transporter” (like a bus) is used to assist the movement of a molecule or substance through a cell membrane wall. An example of this is insulin, which is a carrier or transporter of glucose into a cell. Note that this type of activity requires a small amount of energy since this is an active transport, not a passive one. This energy comes from the cell mitochondria in the form of ADP (adenosine di-phosphate), which comes from stored ATP (adenosine triphosphate). A carrier or transporter can be a hormone, protein, steroid or mineral.
When you are seeking true healing, health and vitality, therefore, you must think cellularly. Healing must happen at the cellular level for true, lasting health and vitality to exist. Spiritually speaking, all life, no matter how small or how large (atoms to universes and everything in between), when manifested physically, must have a mental body (mind portion) and an emotional body (astral portion). This is true for each of your cells, as well as for all plants, all animals, and your entire body. A great example is documented by Christopher Bird and Tom Hopkins in their book The Secret Life of Plants, which tells about the ability of plants to feel and remember. These abilities become more obvious in animals, and more so with human beings.
Cells respond to external stimuli not only from hormones, minerals, sugars, proteins and the like; their ability to function is greatly affected by the body’s pH factors (acidosis), by congestion, types of foods consumed, and chemical consumption. They also respond to thoughts and emotions (feelings). The types of thoughts and feelings you have, harbor or carry around with you play a major role in cellular functioning. To enjoy a state of total health and vitality it is necessary to clean (detoxify) your body, your mind and your emotions, and thus set yourself free.
As the initial parent cell divides, tissues are formed, then organs and glands, and so on. There are two types of cell division—meiosis and mitosis. Through meiosis and mitosis the body grows and repairs itself. Let’s now examine the grouping of cells called tissues.

Types of Cell Division
MEIOSIS
A cell divides with only half of the chromosomes of the related somatic or non-reproductive cell. (These cells replace.)
MITOSIS
Cells divide each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent, or somatic cell. (These cells create.)

The Body’s Systems

The Body’s Systems 

Structures and Functions 

Your physical body is comprised of many systems, which in a combined effort keep it alive and well. These systems make up the organs, glands, blood supply, lymph tissue, muscles, bones, etc. Each system has its own unique job to do to support the whole. As previously stated, these systems depend upon each other for the running, maintenance and repair of the body as a whole entity.
The infrastructure of the human body is like a society: The glandular system is the government. The nervous (electrical) system is the information highway, without which communication throughout the cities (cells, organs and glands) is crippled. The police department consists of small immune cells called lymphocytes (white blood cells), neutrophils, basophils, and macrophages. For added protection we have the military, which are the NK (natural killer) cells the large T and B cells. Of course there are factories, like the liver, bone marrow, glands and some organs. And trash pick-up and waste disposal are done by the lymphatic system, colon, kidneys, lungs and skin. However, without general laborers a society would have all chiefs and nothing would get done. The majority of the cells in the body act as laborers. These cells comprise all the systems, including the skeletal system (bones), muscular system, and connective tissue.
Most of this society’s food is supplied externally by what we feed the body. However, many nutrients are grown by “farmers” called bacteria. It is through their actions and transmutation techniques that many co-enzymes (vitamins or helpers) are produced.
Stepping down into a smaller world we find the cells themselves. Each cell is a city unto itself—a microcosm of the larger society of the whole body. God’s worlds are merely a reflection of each other, as all life forms and structures require other life forms and structures to exist. Consciousness, or the awareness behind all things, is the driving force.
In the following pages of this section I have detailed the various systems and their structures and functions that comprise the physical body.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — Heart, vascular system (arteries, capillaries and veins), and the blood (also part of the digestive system).
FUNCTIONS — The circulatory system is comprised of the pathways within the body through which the physical life force of the body flows. It distributes nutrients, building materials and fuels for cellular life and activity; works with the lymphatic system in removing metabolic and other wastes from the body; helps keep the body alkaline; is used to help regulate body temperature; and carries oxygen for oxidation purposes (antioxidant and biological transmutation responses).
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — Mouth and salivary glands, stomach, small intestines (duodenum, jejunum and ileum), pancreas, liver, gallbladder.
FUNCTIONS — The digestive system employs mechanical (teeth) and chemical (enzymatic) action for the breakdown of coarse foods and compounds into simple structures for absorption and utilization purposes. It allows for biological and biochemical transmutation of elements and complexes into more usable or storable compounds or substances.
ELIMINATIVE SYSTEMS
STRUCTURES — Colon, lymphatic system, urinary system, immune system and the integumentary system (skin).
FUNCTIONS — The elimination of wastes and by-products from metabolism and digestion. Elimination of pathogens and mucus from the lymphatic system. Excess water elimination.
The eliminative system encompasses several other systems, which are complete systems within themselves. They are the intestinal system, lymphatic system, urinary system, integumentary system and immune system.
Intestinal System (Colon)
STRUCTURES — There are five sections to the colon. The first section, which is valved and connected to the jejenum (small bowel), is called the cecum. Then there is the ascending portion, which trails upward against gravity toward the right lower lung and liver area. The transverse portion travels across your abdomen toward the left side. Next it curves downward, becoming the descending portion. It then curves again, and becomes the sigmoid portion. Finally, it curves one last time, ending with the rectal portion. The average human colon is five to six feet long.
FUNCTIONS — Wastes and by-products from digestion are eliminated through the large intestine (called the colon). The lymph system also eliminates one-third or more of its wastes through the colon. Wastes from metabolism that enter the blood and lymph system are carried to the kidneys, skin, and colon, to then be eliminated. The colon is truly the “sewer system” and must be in a state of good health in order for the whole body to be in a good state of health.
Lymphatic System
STRUCTURES — Spleen, thymus, appendix, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels and lymph fluid.
FUNCTIONS — The lymphatic system is one of the most vital systems in the body. Its job includes removing cellular wastes, removing excessive fat-soluble compounds from the gastrointestinal tract, and serving as the “house” of the immune system. It creates white blood cells and antibodies, and is truly the battlefield of “the good vs. the bad,” where immune cells battle pathogens, including bacteria, yeasts, viruses and other unwanted intruders. The lymph system is also a carrier of nutrients to various parts of the body. It serves as both the police force and part of the body’s septic system. It becomes heavily congested with excessive mucus and lymph from dairy products and refined and complex sugars. This causes a type of congestion that most people are unaware of except when their sinus cavities or lung tissues let them know it.
Urinary System
STRUCTURES — Kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.
FUNCTIONS — The filtration and elimination of excess H2O, nutrients and metabolic wastes and by-products from the body is the job of the urinary system. It helps regulate the sodium/ potassium balance, and works with the acid-alkaline balance. Urine is about 95 percent waste and 5 percent dissolved substances.
Integumentary System
STRUCTURES — Skin, nails, hair, oil and sweat glands.
FUNCTIONS — This system provides protective and outer covering for the physical body. The skin is the body’s largest eliminative organ and aids in the elimination of wastes and by-products from metabolism. The integumentary system maintains body temperature.
Immune System
STRUCTURES — Lymphatic system, which includes the thymus and spleen, bone marrow, immune cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, B-cells, helper T and B cells, etc.), the liver and parasites (toxin eaters).
FUNCTIONS — To protect the body from pathogens (foreign enemies), antigens (foreign proteins), parasites and the like, that could harm or destroy it. The immune system is truly the police force of the body.
GLANDULAR SYSTEM (ENDOCRINE)
STRUCTURES — The pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas (including the islets of Langerhans), glands within the intestinal mucosa, ovaries and testes.
FUNCTIONS—The regulation of all the activities of the body from breathing, nerve response, and temperature changes, to elimination. This is all accomplished through hormones, neurotransmitters, steroids, and the like. The glandular system is tied into our emotional and mental bodies as well.
MUSCULAR SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — Muscles, tendons and connective tissue.
FUNCTIONS — Movement, strength and skeletal support. Transportation of heat.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — The brain, spinal cord (Central Nervous System), the autonomic nervous system, sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, olfactory nerves, etc.).
FUNCTIONS — The nervous system is truly the information highway of the body. It is divided into two main systems: the autonomic (ANS) nervous system, and the central nervous system (CNS). The autonomic system is further divided into two branches, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — Testes, ovaries, sperm, ova, mammary glands, and prostate gland. The reproductive system works in conjunction with the glandular system.
FUNCTIONS—Reproduction via conception, the continuation and improvement (supposedly) of a species.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — Lungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchial tubes, and alveoli.
FUNCTIONS — Ingestion of the body’s main source of energy—”oxygen.” Oxygen allows for oxidation to take place within the body. The respiratory system removes carbon dioxide; helps regulate the acid-base balance of the body; and brings hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, etc., into the body. These elements are life’s most basic foods.
SKELETAL SYSTEM
STRUCTURES — All the bones and cartilage that comprise the physical body. There are 206 bones in the human body: Head—twenty-nine bones. Upper extremities—sixty-four bones. Trunk—fifty-one bones. Lower extremities—sixty-two bones.
FUNCTIONS — The skeletal system gives form and structure to the physical body. It also allows for various movements of the limbs. Our bones are oftentimes a source of calcium when they shouldn’t be.