N5.2 Phospholipids and Sterols

phospholipid

a lipid that contains phosphorus and that is a structural component in cell membranes

sterol

a type of lipid with a structure composed of multiple chemical rings

Lecithin

A phospholipid manufactured by the liver and also found in many foods; an emulsifier

emulsifier

An ingredient that brings two normally incompatible materials together and binds them into a uniform and fairly stable blend

phosphate group

PO4

chylomicrons

the class of lipoproteins that transport lipids from the intestinal cells to the rest of the body

soluble

capable of being dissolved

cholesterol

A lipid that forms an essential component of animal cell membranes and acts as a precursor molecule for the synthesis of other biologically important steroids

dietary cholesterol

the cholesterol found in foods

plant sterols

essential components of plant membranes that, when consumed in the diet, appear to help lower cholesterol levels

functional sterols

plant sterols added to foods to inhibit cholesterol absorption and improve the lipid profile of the food

sex hormones

hormones that regulate the development and functioning of reproductive organs and that stimulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics

stress hormones

Epinephrine and norepinephrine, secreted as part of the reaction of the nervous system to stress.

endogenous

Produced within the body

endogenous cholesterol

cholesterol manufactured in the liver

exogenous cholesterol

Cholesterol taken into the body; typically derived from the diet

artery

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart

coronary artery

The artery that supplies heart tissue with blood

plaque

A deposit of fatty material on the inner lining of an arterial wall; aka atheroma

atherosclerosis

condition in which fatty deposits called plaque build up on the inner walls of the arteries

heart disease

An abnormal organic condition of the heart or of circulation.

atheroma

a deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall