fatty acid metabolic pathway ketone bodies metabolic pathway Ketone body metabolism PW:0000069 The definition was compiled using the information from a number of biological/medical dictionaries available at OneLook Those metabolic reactions involved in the synthesis, utilization or degradation of ketone bodies. The chemicals acetoacetate, acetone and beta-hydroxybutyrate are collectively known as ketone bodies, although only the first two are ketones. They provide fuel for heart and skeletal muscle and for the brain during starvation. Excessive accumulation of these acidic chemicals leads to dangerous diabetic conditions known as ketoacidosis. cellular ketone body metabolic process pathway