Definition
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
Shulman GI, Petersen KF. Metabolism. In: Boron WF, Boulpaep EL, eds. Medical Physiology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 58.