High density lipoprotein

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) /haɪ dɛnsɪti lɪpəˈproʊtiːn/ is one of the five major groups of lipoproteins which enable lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the water-based bloodstream.

Etymology

The term "High Density Lipoprotein" is derived from its high protein to lipid ratio, which gives it a higher density compared to other lipoproteins.

Function

HDL is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver, where it can be removed. This process is known as reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and is beneficial to the organism because it can help to prevent atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Related Terms

  • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body.
  • Cholesterol: A waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body.
  • Triglycerides: A type of fat (lipid) found in your blood.
  • Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
  • Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT): The process by which cholesterol is transported from the tissues of the body to the liver.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski