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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. 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.
Absorption The transfer of a vitamin from the digestive tract to the bloodstream. Mentioned in: Vitamin Toxicity
absorption [absôrp′shən] Etymology: L, absorptio 1 the incorporation of matter by other matter through chemical, molecular, or physical action, such as the dissolution of a gas in a liquid or the taking up of a liquid by a porous solid. 2 (in physiology) the passage of substances across and into tissues, such as the passage of digested food molecules into intestinal cells or the passage of liquids into kidney tubules. Types of absorption are agglutinin absorption, cutaneous absorption, external absorption, intestinal absorption, parenteral absorption, pathologic absorption. 3 (in radiology) the process of absorbing radiant energy by living or nonliving matter with which the radiation interacts. absorb, v. absorption [ab-sorp´shun] 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 psychology, devotion of thought to one object or activity only. 3. in radiology, uptake of energy by matter with which the radiation interacts. It can vary with the mass (density) subjected to x-radiation and the penetrability of the x-rays. A thin lead plate might absorb 100 per cent of an x-ray beam, while several centimeters of tissue might attenuate it only slightly, even at low voltages. 4. in chemistry, the penetration of a substance within the inner structure of another; see also adsorption. chemical absorption any process by which one substance in liquid or solid form penetrates the surface of another substance. 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. 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 biologic 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 (abzôrp´sh 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. 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. 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
absorption Transformation of radiant energy into a different form of energy, usually heat, as it passes through a medium. Light that is absorbed is neither transmitted nor reflected. It may, however, be re-emitted as light of another wavelength as, for example, ultraviolet radiation is converted into visible radiation on absorption by a luminescent material. A substance that absorbs all radiations is called a black body. See absorbance; optical density; fluo-rescence.
absorption The process of taking in Immunology Agglutinin absorption A lab technique consisting of either removal of an antibody from serum by adding its cognate antigen, or removal of an antigen by adding its cognate antibody; absorption
allows an antiserum to be purified by removing unwanted immunoglobulins, or may be used to 'fish' for an antigen or antibody of interest Medtalk The uptake of material across a surface–eg, epidermis, GI mucosa, renal tubules
Pharmacology The process by which a drug enters the body and is available for therapeutic activity; agents administered IV are absorbed completely; agents administered extravascularly are usually absorbed by passive diffusion of the nonionized drug
fraction; a drug's concentration in the blood is a function of the ratio of absorption to elimination. See Accumulation. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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