Final answer:
Minerals represent about 4 percent of the total body mass in humans. These essential inorganic compounds are necessary for various bodily functions, and are primarily derived from the diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mineral content in an animal's body accounts for a relatively small portion of the total body mass. In the context of human biology, minerals cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. The amount of minerals in the body is small, comprising only about 4 percent of the total body mass. These minerals are critical for a variety of bodily functions, including the formation of bones and teeth, regulation of fluids, and as essential electrolytes.
In the human body, minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are major components of bone, while other minerals like magnesium are present in the soft tissues and body fluids. It is noted that 70% of the total magnesium content of the body is found in combination with calcium and phosphorus in the bones, with the remainder in soft tissues and bodily fluids.