top of page

Bilirubin

Etymology:

L. bīlis: “bile” + L. rubrus: "red" + L. īnus: "of or pertaining to, usually indicates a relationship of position, possession, or origin"

Definition:

A bile pigment that is a product of the breakdown of the heme portion of hemoglobin (which occurs within macrophages as they digest red blood cells), and which is responsible for the yellowish color seen in bruises. Extremely high levels of bilirubin may cause jaundice.

bottom of page