CELLULAR METABOL...

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Metabolism

Definition

Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that create and use energy, such as:

• Digesting food and nutrients
• Eliminating waste through urine and feces
• Breathing
• Circulating blood
• Controlling body temperature
• Contracting muscles
• Functioning of the brain and nerves

References

Elsas LJ. Approach to inborn errors of metabolism. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 216.

Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., 10/18/2008