the totality of all types of transformations of substances and energy in the organism that ensure its development, vital activity, and self-reproduction, as well as its connections with the environment and adaptation to changes in external conditions. The basis of metabolism consists of interrelated processes: anabolism and catabolism (synthesis and breakdown of substances), aimed at the continuous renewal of living material and provision of the energy necessary for vital activity. These processes are carried out through sequential chemical reactions involving substances that accelerate these processes – enzymes. In the human organism, hormonal regulation of metabolism occurs, coordinated by the central nervous system. Any disease is accompanied, to one degree or another, by metabolic disturbances.