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Cholesterol
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Structural diagram of a cholesterol molecule showing its four-ring steroid nucleus, labeled A through D, a hydroxyl group, and a hydrocarbon side chain branching from the main structure.
How does alcohol affect cholesterol and heart disease?
Why you should know your cholesterol levels
atheromatous plaque Detailed diagram of a plasma membrane's lipid bilayer showing two layers of phospholipid molecules with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails inward, embedded cholesterol, integral (intrinsic) proteins spanning the membrane, peripheral (extrinsic) proteins attached to the surface, and sugar side chains extending from the outer face. A detailed cross-section illustration of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) complex shows a spherical structure with a phospholipid monolayer, embedded apoprotein (apoB-100), and internal components such as cholesteryl esters, free cholesterol, and triacylglycerol molecules. Detailed diagram showing the transport of lipoproteins in the human body, illustrating how dietary fats and cholesterol are absorbed in the small intestine, packaged into chylomicrons, and transported through lymphatic vessels and the bloodstream. The diagram traces the conversion of chylomicrons to VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL particles, highlighting their roles in fat and cholesterol delivery, storage, and recycling, with labeled pathways to the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, and includes cellu biosynthesis of steroid hormones
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Structural diagram of a cholesterol molecule showing its four-ring steroid nucleus, labeled A through D, a hydroxyl group, and a hydrocarbon side chain branching from the main structure.
Cholesterol Structural formula of cholesterol.

Cholesterol

chemical compound
Also known as: 5-cholesten-3β-ol
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Cholesterol, a waxy substance that is present in blood plasma and in all animal tissues. Chemically, cholesterol is an organic compound belonging to the steroid family; its molecular formula is C27H46O. In its pure state it is a white, crystalline substance that is odourless and tasteless. Cholesterol is essential to life; it is a primary component of the membrane that surrounds each cell, and it is the starting material or an intermediate compound from which...

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