Methemoglobin

Methemoglobin (also hemiglobin) is a type of hemoglobinthat is produced by the oxidationof the ferrous ironcontained in hemoglobin to ferric ironwhich doesn't have the capacity for carrying oxygen. Although a small amount of methemoglobin is normally present in blood, a large replacement of hemoglobin by methemoglobin can cause cyanosis.

Methemoglobinemiais the presence of methemoglobin in the blood. It may be acquired by exposure to some chemical agents, such as nitrites, or it may be congenital.

See also: List of human blood components

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methemoglobin Wikipedia article Methemoglobin.