Serum albumin
Serum Albumin
Serum albumin (pronounced: /ˈsɪərəm ælˈbjuːmɪn/) is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma. It is produced in the liver and forms a large proportion of all plasma protein.
Etymology
The term "albumin" is derived from Latin albus, meaning "white". This is in reference to the color of albumin in its solid state. "Serum" is derived from the Latin word serum, meaning "whey", the liquid portion of blood that remains after clotting.
Function
Serum albumin functions primarily as a carrier protein for steroids, fatty acids, and thyroid hormones in the blood and plays a major role in stabilizing extracellular fluid volume. It is also used medically to treat a variety of conditions including shock, burns, and low protein levels due to surgery or liver failure.
Related Terms
- Albuminuria: The presence of albumin in the urine, typically as a symptom of kidney disease.
- Hypoalbuminemia: A condition characterized by low levels of serum albumin in the blood.
- Hyperalbuminemia: A condition characterized by high levels of serum albumin in the blood.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Serum albumin
- Wikipedia's article - Serum albumin
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