Metabolism

Definition

Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or 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

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.