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Reabsorption Vs Resorption, How To Use Each Term Correctly?

Reabsorption Vs Resorption, How To Use Each Term Correctly?

If you don´t know the meaning of a word, your communication ability is not strong. We are constantly sending messages; however, not everyone understands the correct and incorrect use of words. We must realize the importance of speaking and writing appropriately. The only way to achieve this is to learn more words every day. In English, there are several terms that if we do not look at them carefully, we may think that they are the same word. In today’s article, we will be exploring the meaning and uses of the words resorption and resorption.

The main difference in the use of these words is that reabsorption is a process of absorbing again. On the other hand, resorption is the process of losing a substance. But the only way to understand what differentiates these two terms is to delve deeper into their respective meanings.

The correct way to use “reabsorption” is to refer to a process in which the body absorbs a substance or tissue again. In contrast, “resorption” refers to the action of absorbing a liquid substance expelled previously. Understandably, these are terms that are, at first instance, a bit complex to assimilate. For this reason, we will explore in-depth their respective meanings and the correct way in which we should use them.

reabsorption spelled in white neon

The Origin Of “Reabsorption” And “Resorption”

There is not much information that refers to many details about the origin of these words. We can observe that their main application comes from the medical field. In addition, both words share the prefix “re.”

The Origin Of The Prefix “Re”

This word is a prefix of very ancient origin and Latin roots. It has a broad utility in its communicational function.

  • It serves to indicate the repetition of something that you did.
  • It serves to indicate that something takes a step backward or inward.
  • It serves to reinforce the meaning of something.
  • It serves to reverse the meaning of a verb.

The Origin Of “Reabsorption”

The first records of the use of this word appeared in the year 1630. It comes from the French resorber or directly from the Latin resorbere, which means “to suck in again.” It also comes from “re,” which is to do something again or over.

The Origin Of “Resorption”

People recorded the first use of this word between the period 1810-1820. This word has a prefix that initially comes from Latin. Its meaning is “again” or “again and again” to indicate repetition. It can also mean “back” or “backward” to refer to a withdrawal or retreat.

What Are Reabsorption And Resorption?

These two terms can be a bit complex to understand. Nowadays, many people use them interchangeably to refer to fluid or tissue re-absorption processes. However, suppose we want to delve a little deeper and know the nuanced differences that separate them. In that case, we must understand what each of them means.

What Is Reabsorption?

Reabsorption is the procedure and result of reabsorbing something. This verb refers to the action of absorbing something again. But to understand it better, we must know what the idea of absorbing means.

When one element absorbs another, what happens is that it attracts it, sucks it in, captures it, or receives it. A solid component absorbs a liquid when its molecules manage to penetrate it.

In medicine, we speak of absorption when a cell or tissue receives external dissolved particles. The absorption of a liquid consists of making it disappear from where it is or where it originated.

In kidney physiology, reabsorption or tubular reabsorption is when the kidney removes water and solutes from the tubular fluid and returns them to the circulating blood.

This process is reabsorption because these substances have already been absorbed once in the intestines. Also, because the body requires them again from the fluid stream, the body will later convert them into urine if the reabsorption process does not occur.

Reabsorption In The Kidneys

Reabsorption is a process that occurs in different ways. The kidneys are responsible for reabsorbing some filtered molecules from the blood.

The renal artery is responsible for carrying the blood to the kidneys. The first filter that the kidneys do is to separate the larger molecules to eliminate waste. The kidney’s filters recover molecules such as glucose and amino acids here.

This function is what reabsorption is for, to recover these molecules and thus prevent the organism from discarding them. In the field of biology, the term tubular reabsorption is a synonym of tubular resorption.

Tubular reabsorption is nothing more than the process where most of the water and dissolved substances of great value and usefulness return to the blood.

cows eat on field example of resorption

What Is Resorption?

In medicine, resorption is the total or partial absorption of a normal or pathological element picked up through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

Bone resorption is the procedure that causes the blood to pick up bone tissue eliminated by cells called osteoclasts.

These cells attach to the bone tissue and destroy it. The tissue removed passes into the blood. Bone resorption is a problem for the body because it weakens the bones.

Lack of physical activity and diseases such as arthritis can cause bone resorption. It is important to note that osteoclasts destroy bone tissue, but osteoblasts help in its recomposition. This action means that when there is bone resorption, osteoclast destruction is superior to osteoblast regeneration.

You can easily observe the bone resorption in the face, specifically along the jaw. When a person loses teeth due to an accident or natural reasons, the bone that keeps them attached to the jawbone begins a process of resorption.

This bone, called the alveolar bone, is different from the rest of the human skeleton bones. This difference is due to its capacity to change.

In the absence of teeth, the quickest and safest way to prevent bone resorption is dental implants. Although there are people who prefer the placement of bridges or removable prostheses, it is valid to point out that this forces the extraction of two or more teeth.

Besides, it would help if you changed dentures from time to time anyway. Additionally, they do not prevent the bone resorption process from progressing.

For all these arguments, the implant is so far the most effective method. This process includes the replacement of the root and prevents the natural teeth from moving. Medicine offers the possibility of bone grafting if you do not place your implants soon. These grafts compensate for the decrease suffered by the alveolar bone.

Apart from diseases and lack of exercise, bone resorption is also related to the body’s calcium level. If the calcium level is low, a hormone appears that stimulates the development of osteoclasts, hence the importance of maintaining ideal calcium levels. Due to this fact, experts recommend consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and nuts.

How Do People Use These Words?

As we have seen, these words have their primary use in the area of medicine. Let’s review below the main uses we can give to these terms.

Use Of “Reabsorption”

  • The act or process of reabsorbing.
  • To refer to the process performed by the kidneys.
  • To absorb anything repeatedly.

Use Of “Resorption”

  • To describe the destruction, disappearance, or dissolution of tissue.
  • To express the loss of dental bone or pieces of teeth.

Examples Of The Use Of These Words In Everyday Conversations

All that remains for us to illustrate with some examples is the use of these words in successful sentences, which help us send an understandable and logical message to our receiver.

Examples Of Reabsorption

  • When there is the reabsorption of one or more of the valves, surgical intervention is unavoidable.
  • We are interested in confirming whether the reabsorption was successful.
  • The absorption pattern remains almost the same as last month.

Examples Of Resorption

  • This molecule had a negative effect on nutrient resorption
  • The study revealed the patient’s high risk of bone resorption
  • If you do not consume enough calcium, it will not be possible to stop bone resorption.

A Final Thought On These Words

The correct use of these words requires more effort and understanding on our part. We do not have to become medical experts to use these words; that is not the idea. The exciting thing about this exercise is to gain new knowledge in our learning process and at least have a general idea of the meaning and use of these terms.

Every time we incorporate new words into our mental library, we enrich our ability to communicate better with our surroundings.