Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Toxicokinetics

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Toxicokinetics 1. Absorption vs. Distribution Absorption refers to the process by which a substance enters the body, typically through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. Distribution, on the other hand, involves the movement of that substance throughout the body, often via the bloodstream. While absorption is about entry, distribution is about movement. Remember, absorption is the initial step, and distribution follows. 2. Metabolism vs. Excretion Metabolism refers to the chemical transformations a substance undergoes within the body. It often involves the conversion of a compound into a more water-soluble form, facilitating its elimination. Excretion, however, is the actual removal of that substance, typically through urine, feces, or sweat. Metabolism is about transformation, while excretion is about elimination. 3. Half-life vs. Clearance Half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of a substance in the body to decrease by half. It's a measure of how quickly a compound is eliminated. Clearance, on the other hand, is the rate at which a substance is removed from the body, often expressed as volume per unit time. While half-life is about time, clearance is about rate.