Absorbed

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Absorbed

Absorbed (/əbˈsɔːrbd/; from Latin absorbēre meaning 'to swallow up') is a term used in various fields of medicine, particularly in pharmacology and physiology. It refers to the process by which substances are taken up by tissues and cells through various mechanisms.

Etymology

The term 'absorbed' is derived from the Latin word absorbēre, which means 'to swallow up'. This is a combination of ab- (a prefix meaning 'away') and sorbēre (meaning 'to suck in').

In Pharmacology

In pharmacology, absorption is the process by which a drug is taken into the body. After administration, a drug is absorbed by the body's tissues and enters the bloodstream. This process is influenced by various factors, including the drug's formulation, the route of administration, and the patient's physiological state. For example, drugs administered orally are absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract before entering the systemic circulation.

In Physiology

In physiology, absorption refers to the process by which nutrients from food are taken up by cells in the digestive system. This process occurs primarily in the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.

Related Terms

  • Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug or other substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.
  • Distribution (pharmacology): The dispersion or dissemination of substances throughout the fluids and tissues of the body.
  • Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. In pharmacology, it refers to the breakdown of drugs by the body.
  • Excretion: The process by which waste products of metabolism and other non-useful materials are eliminated from an organism.

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