ALPHA FETOPROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that is naturally produced by the liver of a developing fetus during pregnancy. It is also secreted by the yolk sac and vascular endothelial cells within the fetus. AFP levels in the blood of an expectant mother can be used as a biochemical marker to assess the health and progress of the fetus during pregnancy.
In normal conditions, AFP levels are relatively high in the fetal circulation, but they decline after birth to negligible levels in adults. However, abnormal AFP levels in a pregnant woman's blood may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation. For instance, elevated AFP levels could indicate potential birth defects such as neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, or chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
Conversely, low levels of AFP may also suggest certain complications, including miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, or an increased risk of a chromosomal disorder called Edwards syndrome.
Alpha fetoprotein testing is typically performed during the second trimester of pregnancy, usually between weeks 15 and 18. It is often conducted alongside other prenatal screening tests, such as ultrasound and hormone screenings, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the fetus's well-being. However, it is important to note that AFP testing is not diagnostic but rather serves as an initial indication for further testing or monitoring.
Common Misspellings for ALPHA FETOPROTEIN
- zlpha fetoprotein
- slpha fetoprotein
- wlpha fetoprotein
- qlpha fetoprotein
- akpha fetoprotein
- appha fetoprotein
- aopha fetoprotein
- aloha fetoprotein
- allha fetoprotein
- al-ha fetoprotein
- al0ha fetoprotein
- alpga fetoprotein
- alpba fetoprotein
- alpna fetoprotein
- alpja fetoprotein
- alpua fetoprotein
- alpya fetoprotein
- alphz fetoprotein
- alphs fetoprotein
Etymology of ALPHA FETOPROTEIN
The word "alpha fetoprotein" derives from the combination of "alpha", "feto-", and "protein".
- "Alpha" comes from the Greek letter alpha (Α, α), which represents the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In this context, it signifies the initial discovery of this protein.
- "Feto-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "fetus", meaning an unborn offspring, specifically, during the development stage in the womb.
- "Protein" originates from the Greek word "proteios", meaning "of prime importance" or "holding the first place". It refers to the biological macromolecules responsible for numerous essential functions in living organisms.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "alpha fetoprotein" reflects its identification as a significant protein discovered during early fetal development.
Similar spelling word for ALPHA FETOPROTEIN
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