MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Metabolism

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Metabolism

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	References

Illustrations

Metabolism

Definition Return to top

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 Return to top

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.

Update Date: 10/18/2008

Updated by: 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.

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