CHYLOMICRONS Meaning and
Definition
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Chylomicrons are a type of lipoprotein that plays a crucial role in the transport of dietary fats (triglycerides) from the intestines to various tissues in the body. They are synthesized in the cells lining the small intestine, known as enterocytes, following the absorption of dietary fats.
Chylomicrons are large, spherical structures composed of a central core of triglycerides and esterified cholesterol, surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. They also contain various proteins, known as apolipoproteins, which facilitate their formation, stability, and interaction with other lipoproteins.
After their synthesis, chylomicrons are released into the lymphatic system before entering the bloodstream. The lymphatic system allows for the efficient transport of these large particles through the thoracic duct and into the circulation near the subclavian vein.
Once in the bloodstream, chylomicrons undergo various metabolic interactions with enzymes and other lipoproteins. Lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme found on the surface of blood vessel walls, acts on triglycerides within chylomicrons, converting them into free fatty acids and glycerol. These free fatty acids are then taken up by various tissues, including adipose tissue and muscle, to serve as an energy source or for storage.
Over time, as triglycerides are progressively removed from chylomicrons, they become smaller and denser, eventually transforming into smaller remnants that are cleared from the blood by the liver. This clearance process involves endocytosis mediated by specific receptors on liver cells.
In summary, chylomicrons are large lipoprotein particles responsible for the transport of dietary fats from the intestines to different tissues in the body.
Common Misspellings for CHYLOMICRONS
- chylomicron
- xhylomicrons
- vhylomicrons
- fhylomicrons
- dhylomicrons
- cgylomicrons
- cbylomicrons
- cnylomicrons
- cjylomicrons
- cuylomicrons
- cyylomicrons
- chtlomicrons
- chglomicrons
- chhlomicrons
- chulomicrons
- ch7lomicrons
- ch6lomicrons
- chykomicrons
- chypomicrons
- chyoomicrons
Etymology of CHYLOMICRONS
The word "chylomicrons" has a scientific and medical origin, specifically in the field of lipid metabolism.
The term "chylomicron" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "chylo-" and "-micron".
"Chylo-" originates from the Greek word "chylos", which means "juice" or "liquid". In this context, it refers to chyle, a milky-white fluid derived from the digestion of fats in the small intestine.
The suffix "-micron" is a borrowed term from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small" or "minute". In scientific terminology, the suffix "-micron" is used to denote particles of very small size.
Therefore, "chylomicrons" literally translates to "small particles of chyle" or "tiny droplets of fatty fluid".
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