The term "Enterohepatic Circulation" is used in medicine and refers to the recycling of substances through the liver and intestines. The word is spelled phonetically as /ˌɛn.tə.rəʊˌhɛ.pæt.ɪk ˌsɜː.kjʊlˈeɪ.ʃən/ which indicates how to pronounce it properly. The sound /tə/ indicates the first syllable, which is pronounced "en." The stress in the second syllable is on the second "he" sound, making it "hep." Finally, the "circulation" part is easy to recognize, as it is pronounced just as it is spelled.
Enterohepatic circulation is a biological process that involves the circulation of substances between the liver and the intestines through the bloodstream, primarily facilitated by the bile. This complex system plays a crucial role in the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of various compounds, particularly drugs, hormones, and bile acids.
The process begins in the liver, where bile acids are synthesized and stored. These bile acids are then released into the small intestine during digestion, where they aid in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats. After accomplishing their functions, some of these bile acids are reabsorbed into the bloodstream in the intestine and subsequently transported back to the liver via the portal vein.
Once the bile acids reach the liver, they are reutilized, conjugated, and recycled by the hepatocytes (liver cells) to form new bile. This recycling process, known as enterohepatic circulation, ensures the efficient and continuous utilization of bile acids, significantly reducing their loss.
Enterohepatic circulation also serves as a means for the elimination of waste products and xenobiotics from the body. For instance, drugs that undergo enterohepatic circulation may be absorbed, metabolized, and excreted repeatedly, which can prolong their presence in the body.
Overall, enterohepatic circulation is a vital physiological process that allows for the conservation and effective utilization of bile acids, aids in digestion, and plays a crucial role in the detoxification and elimination of various substances from the body.
The word "Enterohepatic Circulation" is a medical term that is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
"Entero" (from the Greek word "enteron") refers to the small intestine.
"Hepatic" (from the Latin word "hepar") is related to the liver.
And "Circulation" (from the Latin word "circulus") refers to the movement or flow of something within a system.
Therefore, when combined, "Enterohepatic Circulation" describes the process in which a substance moves or circulates between the small intestine and the liver. This term is typically used to refer to the recycling of bile acids from the intestine back to the liver.