CREATININE Meaning and
Definition
-
Creatinine is a naturally occurring waste product in the body that is derived from the metabolism of creatine, a substance found in muscle tissue. It is primarily produced from the breakdown of creatine phosphate, which is used as an energy source during muscle contraction.
Creatinine is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. It is considered a reliable indicator of kidney function and is commonly used to assess renal health. As the kidneys filter the blood, they remove creatinine and other waste products, allowing their levels to build up in the urine.
The measurement of creatinine levels in the blood or urine is often employed as a diagnostic tool for various medical conditions. Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood may indicate impaired renal function due to conditions like kidney disease or kidney failure. Moreover, it is an important marker for monitoring the progression of such conditions or the effectiveness of treatments like dialysis or kidney transplant.
A normal creatinine range in the blood varies depending on factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass. Generally, higher muscle mass leads to higher creatinine levels. Conversely, a decreased production of creatinine or impaired kidney function may result in lower levels of this waste product.
Overall, creatinine serves as an essential parameter for evaluating kidney health and plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of renal diseases.
-
An alkaloidal derivative, C4H7N3O, of creatine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CREATININE
Etymology of CREATININE
The word "creatinine" has an etymology originating from two different sources. The first part, "creatin", comes from the Latin word "creas", which means "flesh" or "meat". The second part, "-ine", is a suffix used in chemistry to indicate a nitrogenous compound. "Creatinine" was coined and derived from these roots to describe a nitrogenous compound formed from creatine, an organic compound found in muscle tissue.
Similar spelling words for CREATININE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
