The word "icterogenic" is pronounced as /ɪktərəʊˈdʒenɪk/. The first syllable "ictero" is derived from the Greek word "ikteros" meaning jaundice. The suffix "-genic" means producing or causing. So, the word "icterogenic" refers to something that causes or produces jaundice. The spelling of this word follows typical English pronunciation rules, with a silent "g" and accent on the second syllable. It's important to spell medical terms correctly to avoid confusion and ensure proper communication in healthcare settings.
The term "icterogenic" refers to any substance, agent, or condition that is capable of causing or inducing jaundice in an individual. Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells.
When a substance or agent is labeled as icterogenic, it means that it has the potential to disrupt the normal processes of bilirubin metabolism, leading to its abnormal accumulation in the body. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as impairment of liver function, obstruction of bile flow, or increased breakdown of red blood cells. Icterogenic substances can include medications, toxic chemicals, viruses, or metabolic disorders.
Furthermore, the icterogenicity of a substance can vary among individuals, as certain individuals may be more susceptible to developing jaundice due to genetic predispositions or underlying health conditions. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare professionals to identify and understand the icterogenic potential of substances in order to provide appropriate medical care and avoid unnecessary harm.
Overall, icterogenic is an adjective used to describe anything that has the ability to cause jaundice in individuals by disrupting the normal balance of bilirubin metabolism. This term is primarily used in the medical field to classify substances and agents based on their potential to induce jaundice.
Causing jaundice.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "icterogenic" is formed from two roots: "ictero" and "genic".
The root "ictero" is derived from the Greek word "ikteros", meaning "jaundice". Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood.
The root "genic" comes from the Greek word "genēs", meaning "producing" or "causing". It is commonly used as a suffix to form words related to the production or generation of something.
By combining these two roots, "icterogenic" is formed to describe something that causes or produces jaundice.