Copper

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Copper (Medicine)

Copper (pronounced: /ˈkɒp.ər/) is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. In the field of medicine, copper is known for its antimicrobial properties and its essential role in human health.

Etymology

The term "copper" comes from the Old English coper, which was derived from the Latin Cyprium aes, meaning "a metal from Cyprus". Cyprus was a major source of copper in the ancient world.

Role in Human Health

Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the health of all living things (humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms). In humans, copper is essential to the proper functioning of organs and metabolic processes. The human body has complex homeostatic mechanisms which attempt to ensure a constant supply of available copper, while eliminating excess copper whenever this occurs.

Copper Deficiency

Copper deficiency is a very rare hematological and neurological disorder. The neurodegenerative syndrome of copper deficiency has been recognized for some time in ruminant animals, in which it is commonly known as "swayback". Copper deficiency can manifest in parallel with vitamin B12 and other nutritional deficiencies.

Copper Toxicity

Copper toxicity, also called copperiedus, refers to the consequences of an excess of copper in the body. Copperiedus can occur from eating acid foods cooked in uncoated copper cookware, or from exposure to excess copper in drinking water or other environmental sources.

Related Terms

  • Wilson's disease: A genetic disorder in which copper builds up in the body.
  • Menkes disease: A disorder that affects copper levels in the body, leading to copper deficiency.
  • Copper in health: Detailed information about the role of copper in human health.

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