Bilirubin

Definition

Bilirubin is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in vertebrates. Its levels in the blood are elevated in certain diseases, such as hepatitis or when there is an obstruction of the bile duct.

Related terms

Erythrocytes:

Red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body and are broken down into bilirubin at the end of their lifecycle.

Liver:

A vital organ that processes and removes toxins like bilirubin from the blood, maintaining healthy bodily functions.

Jaundice:

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, often caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream