Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:
Breathing
Circulating blood
Controlling body temperature
Contracting muscles
Digesting food and nutrients
Eliminating waste through urine and feces
Functioning of the brain and nerves
References
Elsas LJ II. Approach to inborn errors of metabolism. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 212.
Review Date:
9/3/2012
Reviewed 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. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
