Intrinsic factor
Intrinsic Factor
Intrinsic factor (pronunciation: in-trin-sik fak-tor), also known as IF, is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 later on in the ileum of the small intestine.
Etymology
The term "intrinsic factor" originates from its discovery in the early 20th century when it was found to be an essential, or "intrinsic", component in the absorption of vitamin B12.
Function
Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, forming a complex that can be absorbed by the enterocytes in the terminal ileum. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed, leading to a deficiency and potentially to pernicious anemia.
Related Terms
- Parietal cells: These are the cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor.
- Vitamin B12: This is the vitamin that intrinsic factor helps to absorb.
- Enterocytes: These are the cells in the ileum that absorb the intrinsic factor-vitamin B12 complex.
- Pernicious anemia: This is a condition that can result from a deficiency in vitamin B12, often due to a lack of intrinsic factor.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intrinsic factor
- Wikipedia's article - Intrinsic factor
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