The majority of serum alpha fetoprotein is produced by which organ?

The majority of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is produced by the fetal liver. Alpha-fetoprotein is a glycoprotein that plays a crucial role during fetal development, particularly in the regulation of various physiological processes. Its primary source is the liver of the developing fetus, especially during the early stages of pregnancy.

As gestation progresses, the fetal liver becomes increasingly responsible for synthesizing AFP, and it enters the maternal circulation, where it can be measured as a screening tool for certain fetal conditions. Elevated or decreased levels of AFP can indicate various issues, such as neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities, making it significant in prenatal screening.

Understanding the role of the fetal liver in AFP production is important for the assessment and interpretation of maternal serum AFP levels during pregnancy.