A camshaft is a crucial component in an internal combustion engine. It controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves, which allow air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust gases to exit. The camshaft rotates, and its lobes push against the valves, ensuring they operate at the correct timing for efficient engine performance. Typically made of metal, the camshaft can be found in various engine designs, including inline engines and V engines. There are different types of camshafts, such as overhead camshafts (OHC) and cam-in-block designs, each serving the same fundamental purpose but with different configurations.