Ligands, Gastrointestinal, Renal Terms

Secretion

Movement of material from the cell to the hollow space of an organ or into the area outside the cell.

Absorption

Movement of substances from the hollow space of an organ into the fluid outside cells and then into the blood.

Digestion

Physical and chemical breakdown of food into tiny units that the body can absorb.

Filtration

Passing liquid through a barrier that stops certain particles or substances from getting through.

Pinocytosis

The process where a cell takes in nearby fluids and dissolved items like vitamins or fats.

Exocytosis

How a cell pushes material out by fusing a bubble (vesicle) with its outer membrane.

Phagocytosis

When a cell "eats" or engulfs large particles like bacteria or old blood cells.

Principal

Phagocytes Specific white blood cells that "eat" foreign particles.

Bulk Flow

The movement of water and minerals through small gaps or pores between cells.

Solvent Drag

When absorbed water moves and pulls dissolved particles along with it.