Absorption

absorption /ab·sorp·tion/ (-sorp´shun)

1. the uptake of substances into or across tissues.

2. in psychology, devotion of thought to one object or activity only.

3. uptake of energy by matter with which the radiation interacts.

4. in chemistry, the penetration of a substance within the inner structure of another.

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intestinal absorption  the uptake from the intestinal lumen of fluids, solutes, proteins, fats, and other nutrients into the intestinal epithelial cells, blood, lymph, or interstitial fluids.

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ab·sorp·tion (b-zôrpshn)

n.

The taking in or incorporation of something, such as a gas, a liquid, light, or heat.

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Absorption

The transfer of a vitamin from the digestive tract to the bloodstream.

Mentioned in: Vitamin Toxicity

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absorption (abzôrp´shn),

n 1. the passage of a substance into the interior of another by solution or penetration.
n 2. the taking up of fluids or other substances by the skin, mucous surfaces, absorbent vessels, or dental materials so that they are removed.
n 3. the process by which radiation imparts some or all of its energy to any material through which it passes.

absorption coefficient,

n the ratio of the linear rate of change of intensity of roentgen rays in a given homogeneous material to the intensity at a given point within the same mass.

absorption, drug,

n in dentistry, the factors that determine the speed and duration of response to a local anesthetic. The faster the absorption, the higher the chance of systemic toxicity and the lower the duration of effectiveness. The rate is altered by route of administration, use of vasoconstrictors, and patient factors.

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absorption

1. the act of taking up or in by specific chemical or molecular action; especially the passage of liquids or other substances through a surface of the body into body fluids and tissues, as in the absorption of the end products of digestion into the villi that line the intestine.

2. in radiology, uptake of energy by matter with which the radiation interacts.

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chemical absorption

any process by which one substance in liquid or solid form penetrates the surface of another substance.

Compton absorption effect

see compton effect.

differential absorption

the difference in the absorption of x-rays by different tissues.

digestive absorption

the passage of the end products of digestion from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood and lymphatic vessels and the cells of tissues. Absorption of this kind can take place either by diffusion or by active transport.

percutaneous absorption

a passive process in which noxious or therapeutic substances pass through the skin into the body.

radiation absorption

the dissipation of radiant energy as it passes through matter. This phenomenon is of particular importance in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology, which depends on the interaction between ionizing radiations and matter. As radiation passes through matter, it is absorbed by an amount dependent on the atomic and molecular structure and thickness of the substance, and the energy of the primary photons. If radiations pass through a medium of living or nonliving material without absorption (loss of energy), no biological or photographic effects can occur. In true absorption the photons of radiation waves give up or transfer all of their energy to electrons within the atoms of the matter through which they are passing.

absorption tests

are used to assess absorptive function of the small intestine. Glucose, d-xylose and fats are substances administered orally and at timed intervals later measured in the blood. See also digestive absorption (above), fat absorption test.