Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

What is absorption in medical terms?

1. Elimination of waste

2. Process of digesting food

3. Process of taking in substances

4. Purifying blood

The correct answer is: Process of taking in substances

The correct answer is the process of taking in substances. In medical terms, absorption refers to how the body takes in nutrients, medications, and other substances through various systems, particularly the digestive system. For instance, when food is broken down in the intestines, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream, enabling the body to use them for energy, growth, and repair. This process is essential for maintaining overall health since it ensures that the body's cells receive the necessary components to function effectively. The other options address different bodily functions but do not accurately define absorption. Elimination of waste pertains to the removal of substances that the body no longer needs, while the digestion of food describes how food is broken down into nutrients, not the absorption process itself. Purifying blood refers to the actions of organs like the kidneys and liver in filtering and detoxifying the blood, which is also a separate function from absorption.