Lipoproteins: Lipid Carriers
Type | Origin | Function |
|---|---|---|
Chylomicrons | Formed from fats in food processed by the intestine | Transport digested fats (as triglycerides) to muscle and fat cells |
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Formed in the liver and small intestine | 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 | Transports cholesterol to various cells |
Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) | Formed in the liver | Transports triglycerides from the liver to fat cells |