BILE PIGMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Bile pigment refers to a class of complex compounds that are found in the bile, a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver. It primarily includes two important pigments: bilirubin and biliverdin. These pigments are breakdown products of heme, which is derived from the degradation of red blood cells.
Bilirubin, the main bile pigment, is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in senescent red blood cells. After being released into the bloodstream, it binds to albumin and is transported to the liver, where it is actively taken up by hepatocytes. Within the liver, bilirubin undergoes further processing, including conjugation with glucuronic acid. Once conjugated, it becomes water-soluble and is now known as conjugated or direct bilirubin. This conjugated bilirubin is then secreted into the bile canaliculi and ultimately released into the small intestine, playing a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats.
Biliverdin, on the other hand, is an intermediate product in the breakdown of heme that is further converted into bilirubin by the action of biliverdin reductase. While biliverdin is also found in bile, its exact physiological role is not well understood.
The presence of bile pigments can often be observed in the clinical diagnosis of various liver diseases and disorders. Elevated levels of bilirubin, for instance, may lead to jaundice, a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Additionally, the measurement of bile pigments, particularly bilirubin, is commonly used in laboratory tests to evaluate liver function and diagnose certain medical conditions.
Common Misspellings for BILE PIGMENT
- vile pigment
- nile pigment
- hile pigment
- gile pigment
- bule pigment
- bjle pigment
- bkle pigment
- bole pigment
- b9le pigment
- b8le pigment
- bike pigment
- bipe pigment
- bioe pigment
- bilw pigment
- bils pigment
- bild pigment
- bilr pigment
- bil4 pigment
- bil3 pigment
- bile oigment
Etymology of BILE PIGMENT
The word "bile pigment" can be broken down into two parts: "bile" and "pigment".1. Bile: The word "bile" originates from the Latin word "bilis", which means "bitter". This Latin term was likely borrowed from an older Indo-European root, *gʷel-, which also meant "bitter" or "bile". The word "bile" refers to the fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.2. Pigment: The word "pigment" comes from the Latin word "pigmentum", which means "coloring matter" or "paint". This Latin term is derived from the verb "pingere", meaning "to paint" or "to color". The word "pigment" refers to a material that absorbs certain wavelengths of light, giving color to various substances.
Similar spelling words for BILE PIGMENT
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