zeta; Ζ, ζ

The sixth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ζ, ζ) corresponding to English z.

In ancient Greek, it was pronounced as zd or dz and in modern Greek as z.

1. A potential gradient that arises across the interface between the boundary liquid layer in contact with a solid and the movable diffuse layer in the body of the liquid.
2. Electrokinetic potential refers to the potential developed across any interface separating two phases as a result of the accumulation of electrons in one phase and the loss of electrons in the other.
3. Bioelectric potential refers to the difference of electric potential between the inside and the outside of a cell.
4. The ratio of the zetacrit to the hematocrit, used as an indicator of the red blood cell sedimentation rate.
5. The potential developed across any interface separating two phases as a result of the accumulation of electrons in one phase and the loss of electrons in the other direction.

The ratio of the zetacrit to the hematocrit, normally 0.41 to 0.54 (41 to 54%); used as an indicator of the red blood cell sedimentation rate.

It is a sensitive indicator of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and is unaffected by anemia, which tends to elevate the ESR.

1. The packed-cell volume produced by the zeta sedimentation ratio procedure.
2. The packed cell volume produced by vertical centrifugation of blood in capillary tubes, allowing controlled compaction and dispersion of red blood cells; read with a hematocrit to produce the zeta sedimentation ratio.
3. Vertical centrifugation of blood in capillary tubes allowing controlled compaction and dispersion of the red blood cells.

A trademark for a specially designed centrifuge used in the determination of the zeta sedimentation ratio.

1. High molecular weight multifunctional glycoproteins found on cell surface membranes and in blood plasma and other body fluids.

Fibronectins are thought to function as adhesive ligandlike molecules that play a role in contact inhibition; also known as large external transformation sensitive protein (LETS), which is reduced after cells become transformed.

2. Glycoproteins found on the surfaces of cells, particularly in fibrillar structures.

The proteins are lost or reduced when these cells undergo viral or chemical transformation. They are highly susceptible to proteolysis and are substrates for activated blood coagulation factor viii. The forms present in plasma are called cold-insoluble globulins.