Urochrome is a pigment in urine that gives it a yellow color. The spelling of this word is derived from the Greek roots "ouron," meaning urine, and "chroma," meaning color. The IPA phonetic transcription for Urochrome is juːrə(ʊ)krəʊm, with the stress placed on the second syllable. The "u" in "uro" is pronounced as "ju," and the "ch" in "chrome" is pronounced as "kr." This word is commonly used in medical terminology and is important for understanding the composition of urine.
Urochrome is a noun that refers to a yellow pigment present in urine. It is derived from the breakdown of heme, a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Urochrome gives urine its characteristic yellow color and accounts for its varying shades, ranging from pale yellow to dark amber. The amount of urochrome present in urine can be influenced by a variety of factors such as hydration levels, diet, medications, and certain medical conditions.
The production of urochrome begins in the liver, where hemoglobin from aged or damaged red blood cells is broken down into bilirubin. Bilirubin is then further metabolized in the liver and transformed into a water-soluble compound known as urobilinogen. Urobilinogen is absorbed by the bloodstream and eventually excreted by the kidneys. In the presence of air, urobilinogen is oxidized into urochrome, which is then excreted through urine.
The color intensity of urochrome in urine can be used as an indicator of hydration levels and general health. Darker urine may suggest dehydration or increased levels of waste products, while pale yellow urine may indicate sufficient hydration and normal waste excretion. However, it is essential to note that urine color can also be influenced by various other factors, and any significant changes should be assessed by medical professionals to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
A brownish or yellowish substance, upon the presence of which the yellow color of the urine is thought to depend.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Urochrome" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "uro" referring to urine, and "chroma" meaning color. "Urochrome" literally translates to "urine color". The term is used to describe the pigment responsible for the yellow color of urine.