Cholesterol

 

Cholesterol

Basic meaning :- Cholesterol  is a type of fat found in your blood.


Chemical name   10,13-dimethyl-17-
                                  (6-methylheptan-2-yl)-
                                  2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-
                                  dodecahydro-1H-
                                  cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol

Chemical formula   C27H46O

Molecular mass   386.65 g/mol

Melting point           146-147 °C

• The most common type of steroid in the body. 
• Cholesterol has a reputation for being associated with an increased risk for heart and blood vessel disease

History of the name

The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), as researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones.

What is cholesterol?

• Cholesterol is one of the body's fats (lipids). Cholesterol and another lipid, triglyceride, are important building blocks in the structure of cells and are also used in making hormones and producing energy.
• To some extent, the cholesterol level in blood depends on what you eat, but it is mainly dependent on how the body makes cholesterol in the liver
• Cholesterol can't dissolve in the blood. 
• It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. 
• Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as "bad" cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as "good" cholesterol. 
• These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test.
• Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body's cells. 
• It's carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins.