CHOLESTEROL Meaning and
Definition
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Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy substance that is found in all cells of the body. It belongs to a class of compounds called lipids, which are essential for the proper functioning of cells and organs. In the body, cholesterol plays a crucial role in various functions such as the production of hormones, building cell membranes, and aiding in the digestion of fat.
Cholesterol can be categorized into two types based on the basis of its transport within the bloodstream: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as the "bad" cholesterol as it tends to accumulate in the walls of arteries, leading to the formation of plaque and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol as it carries excess cholesterol from various parts of the body back to the liver for removal.
An imbalance in cholesterol levels can have adverse health effects, particularly if there is an excess of LDL cholesterol. This condition, known as hypercholesterolemia, can contribute to the development of conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Monitoring cholesterol levels through regular blood tests and adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, are important for maintaining optimal cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of associated health problems.
medical Disclaimer: The provided information is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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A monatomic alcohol, C27H45OH, occurring in the form of square scaly crystals with a notched corner, having an unctuous feel; it is found chiefly in the bile, forming the greater part of gallstones, and also in the brain, in the seeds of plants, in yolk of egg, and elsewhere; called also cholesterin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for CHOLESTEROL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHOLESTEROL
Etymology of CHOLESTEROL
The word "cholesterol" comes from the French term "cholestérol", which was coined by the French chemist François Poulletier de la Salle in the year 1815. It is derived from the Greek words "chole" meaning "bile" and "stereos" meaning "solid". In the early days, cholesterol was primarily found in gallstones and was associated with the bile. The suffix "-ol" relates to the alcohol group in its chemical structure, designating that it is a sterol compound. Overall, the etymology of the word "cholesterol" refers to a solid alcohol related to bile.
Idioms with the word CHOLESTEROL
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LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a medical term referring to a specific type of cholesterol that is considered to be "bad" or unhealthy for the body. LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol particles from the liver to various tissues in the body. If the levels of LDL cholesterol are too high, it can build up in the arteries, leading to the formation of plaque and increasing the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Similar spelling words for CHOLESTEROL
- cholesterol-free,
- Chiliast,
- cholesterol-reducing,
- high-cholesterol,
- low-cholesterol,
- cholesterol-lowering,
- cholestasis,
- ldl-cholesterol,
- cholesterin,
- chilcote,
- cholesteryl,
- hdl-cholesterol.
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