Stercobilin

Stercobilin

Stercobilin is a brown pigment that is formed in the intestines as a byproduct of the breakdown of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow compound that is produced when red blood cells are broken down in the liver. Stercobilin is responsible for the brown color of feces.

Formation

When bilirubin is broken down in the intestines by bacteria, it is converted into stercobilin. This conversion process gives feces its characteristic brown color. Stercobilin is then excreted in the feces.

Function

Stercobilin has no known physiological function in the body. It is simply a waste product that is excreted in the feces.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal levels of stercobilin in the feces can sometimes indicate liver or gallbladder problems. High levels of stercobilin may be seen in conditions such as jaundice or hepatitis.

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