Lipoproteins: Lipid Carriers
Lipoproteins: Lipid Carriers
Type | Origin | Lipid Content | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
Chylomicrons | Formed from fats in food processed by the intestine | Mostly triglycerides | Transport digested fats (as triglycerides) to muscle and fat cells |
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Formed in the liver and small intestine | About ¼ cholesterol About 1/20 triglycerides | Removes cholesterol from tissues in the body and transports it to cells that need cholesterol and to the liver for removal |
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Formed from VLDL after it delivers triglycerides to fat cells | More than ½ cholesterol Less than 1/10 triglycerides | Transports cholesterol to various cells |
Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) | Formed in the liver | More than ½ triglycerides About 1/4 cholesterol | Transports triglycerides from the liver to fat cells |