bilirubin etymology

Etymology:

  • bili- from Greek "chole," meaning "bile"
  • rubin- from Latin "ruber," meaning "red"

Meaning:

Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment that is the main component of human bile. It is a breakdown product of heme, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells.

Origin:

Bilirubin is produced in the liver as a byproduct of red blood cell destruction. The heme in red blood cells is broken down into biliverdin, which is then converted to bilirubin by the enzyme biliverdin reductase.

Bilirubin is transported to the gallbladder through bile ducts and stored there. When the gallbladder contracts, bilirubin is released into the small intestine, where it is further broken down and excreted in the feces.

Historical Note:

The term "bilirubin" was first used in 1844 by the German chemist Friedrich Hoppe-Seyler. He isolated the pigment from human bile and described its physical and chemical properties.

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