ALCOHOL METABOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Alcohol metabolism refers to the process by which the human body breaks down and eliminates alcohol consumed through drinking. When alcohol is ingested, it enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. The body recognizes alcohol as a toxin and begins a series of metabolic reactions to metabolize and eliminate it from the system.
The breakdown of alcohol primarily occurs in the liver, where specific enzymes known as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) play a crucial role. ADH starts the process by converting alcohol into acetaldehyde, a highly toxic substance. Acetaldehyde is then further broken down into acetate by ALDH. Acetate is a relatively harmless substance that can be converted into carbon dioxide and water, ultimately eliminated from the body.
The rate at which alcohol is metabolized varies among individuals. It is generally believed that around 90-95% of alcohol is broken down in the liver, with the remaining alcohol being eliminated through breath, urine, sweat, and saliva. Factors such as genetics, body weight, age, gender, and overall health can influence the speed at which alcohol is metabolized.
Understanding alcohol metabolism is crucial when considering the effects of alcohol on the body. The process of breaking down alcohol can lead to the accumulation of toxic byproducts, causing symptoms commonly associated with intoxication, such as impaired judgment, slurred speech, and decreased coordination. Additionally, excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can overwhelm the liver's capacity to metabolize alcohol efficiently, leading to liver damage and other alcohol-related diseases.
Common Misspellings for ALCOHOL METABOLISM
- zlcohol metabolism
- slcohol metabolism
- wlcohol metabolism
- qlcohol metabolism
- akcohol metabolism
- apcohol metabolism
- aocohol metabolism
- alxohol metabolism
- alvohol metabolism
- alfohol metabolism
- aldohol metabolism
- alcihol metabolism
- alckhol metabolism
- alclhol metabolism
- alcphol metabolism
- alc0hol metabolism
- alc9hol metabolism
- alcogol metabolism
- alcobol metabolism
- alconol metabolism
Etymology of ALCOHOL METABOLISM
The word "alcohol" is derived from the Arabic term "al-kuḥl" which referred to a fine black powder obtained by subliming antimony sulfide. It was later used to describe any fine powder or essence in the Middle Ages.
The term "metabolism" comes from the Ancient Greek word "metabolē" meaning "change" or "transformation". It was used in the context of physiological and chemical changes that occur within living organisms, referring to the conversion of food into energy and the various chemical reactions necessary for life.
When combined, "alcohol metabolism" refers to the biochemical processes in the body that involve the transformation and breakdown of alcohol, typically ethanol, as it is absorbed, distributed, and eliminated.
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