hematology

Iron

An essential mineral that is present in ferrous (Fe²⁺) form under normal conditions.

Ferric iron

The stable form of iron (Fe³⁺) that is produced under abnormal conditions.

Pyrrole ring

The structure to which iron is attached in hemoglobin and myoglobin molecules.

Oxidative metabolism

A vital function of iron involving the use of oxygen to produce energy in cells.

Iron toxicity

A condition that arises when iron exceeds the body's capacity for transport and storage, causing cellular damage.

Enterocytes

Absorptive cells in the duodenum that facilitate iron absorption into the body.

Transferrin

A transport protein that binds to iron and carries it in the bloodstream.

Ferritin

A protein that stores iron within cells, primarily in the liver and reticuloendothelial system.

Haemoglobin

An iron-containing compound in red blood cells that is crucial for oxygen transport.

Hemosiderin

A complex of iron that is stored in smaller quantities and is a product of excess iron.

Ferroportin

A protein that transports iron from enterocytes into the bloodstream.

Normal iron levels in the body

Approximate total quantity of iron in the body is about 4 g, distributed mainly in hemoglobin.

Mitochondrial ferritin

An iron storage molecule found in tissue with numerous mitochondria.

Frataxin

A protein thought to play a role in mitochondrial iron export.

Apotransferrin

A β-globulin secreted by the liver that combines with iron to form transferrin.

Iron absorption

The process by which iron is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream.