resorbed

Resorbed is the past participle form of resorb, used to describe substances, tissues, or materials that have undergone resorption. Resorption is the process by which material is broken down and removed or assimilated, often by cellular activity, resulting in the material no longer remaining in its original place or state.

In physiology, resorption commonly refers to the uptake of substances from a filtrate or lumen back into the body. For example, in the kidneys, substances in the filtrate such as water, electrolytes, and nutrients are selectively reabsorbed in the renal tubules, reclaiming needed materials and helping to maintain fluid and mineral balance. The intestinal tract also resorbs water and nutrients, contributing to overall homeostasis.

In tissue biology, resorption describes the breakdown or removal of tissue components. In bone, resorption is carried out by osteoclasts and is a normal part of bone remodeling, releasing minerals like calcium into the bloodstream. In dentistry, dental resorption refers to the loss of tooth substance due to cellular activity or external forces, and it can be internal or external.

Clinical significance arises when resorption outpaces formation, leading to net tissue loss, as seen in conditions such as osteoporosis, periodontal bone loss, or pathological dental resorption. Conversely, resorption is a physiological mechanism essential for development, remodeling, and mineral homeostasis. In scientific writing, resorbed or reabsorbed are often used interchangeably, though some fields prefer one term to emphasize uptake versus removal.