Define Intrinsic Factor and Discuss Its Relationship to Vitamin B₁₂

question 155

Essay

Define intrinsic factor and discuss its relationship to vitamin B₁₂ absorption. What other factors are associated with vitamin B₁₂ absorption? What is the most common cause of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and how is vitamin B₁₂ deficiency treated under this condition?

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Definitions:

Scolex

The head region of a tapeworm, containing suckers or hooks for attaching to the host's intestinal wall.

Nematocyst

A specialized cell in the tentacles of a jellyfish or other cnidarians, containing a barbed or venomous coiled thread that can be projected in self-defense or to capture prey.

Ascaris

A genus of parasitic nematode worms which can cause the infection ascariasis in humans through ingestion of eggs from contaminated sources.

Roundworm

Invertebrates with nonsegmented cylindrical body covered by a cuticle that molts; some forms are free-living in water and soil, and many are parasitic.