Sedimentation
Sedimentation
Sedimentation (pronunciation: /ˌsɛdɪmɛnˈteɪʃən/) is a process that involves the settling or deposition of particles, often in a fluid medium such as water or air. The term is derived from the Latin word 'sedimentum', which means settling or sinking down.
Process
Sedimentation occurs when the force of gravity overcomes the forces keeping particles suspended in a fluid, causing them to sink to the bottom. This process is commonly observed in natural environments, such as rivers and lakes, where it leads to the formation of sediment layers.
In the medical field, sedimentation is often used in the context of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a common blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube in one hour. The ESR is often used to detect inflammation in the body.
Related Terms
- Sediment: Solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): A blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube in one hour.
- Centrifugation: A process that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a solution based on their size, shape, density, and viscosity.
- Flocculation: A process where colloids come out of suspension in the form of floc or flakes by the addition of a clarifying agent.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sedimentation
- Wikipedia's article - Sedimentation
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