cutaneous absorption

per·cu·ta·ne·ous ab·sorp·tion

the absorption of drugs, allergens, and other substances through unbroken skin. The corneal layer of epidermis is the principal barrier.

Synonym(s): cutaneous absorption

absorption

(ab-sorp'shon) [L. absorptio]

1. The taking up of liquids by solids, or of gases by solids or liquids.

2. The taking up of light or its energy by black or colored rays.

3. The taking up by the body of radiant energy, causing a rise in body temperature.

4. The reduction in intensity of an x-ray photon as it passes through a substance or a beam of light as it passes through a solution (used in clinical photometry as well as nuclear methods).

5. The passage of a substance through some surface of the body into body fluids and tissues, such as the diffusion of oxygen from the alveolar air into the blood, or the active transport of amino acids from food through the epithelium of the small intestine.

carbohydrate absorption

The taking up of the monosaccharides by the brush border of the small intestine.

colonic absorption

The uptake of water, electrolytes such as sodium, amino acids, and some drugs by the mucosa of the large bowel.

cutaneous absorption

Absorption through the skin. Synonym: percutaneous absorption

external absorption

Absorption of material by the skin and mucous membrane.

fat absorption

The taking up of glycerols and fatty acids, suspended in bile salts, into the villi of the small intestine.

gastric absorption

Absorption of water, alcohol, and some salts through the gastric mucosa.

mouth absorption

Oral or buccal absorption of materials or medicines such as nicotine or nitroglycerin. Alkaloids are better absorbed through the oral mucosa than acidic chemicals.

parenteral absorption

Absorption of fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients from a site other than the gastrointestinal tract.

pathological absorption

Absorption of a substance normally excreted (e.g., urine) or of a product of disease processes (e.g., pus) into the blood or lymph.

percutaneous absorption

Cutaneous absorption.

protein absorption

The taking up of amino acids—singly, or linked as dipeptides or tripeptides—by the brush border of the small intestine.

small intestinal absorption

The uptake of water, fatty acids, monosaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals from the lumen of the gut into the capillary networks and lacteals of the villi. The small intestine is the major site of nutrient absorption in the body.