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Cholesterol
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
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

Cholesterol: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 11, 2026
Add new Web site: Clemson University Open Textbooks - Cholesterol. Sep 18, 2026
Add new Web site: Healthdirect - Cholesterol. Jul 08, 2026
Add new Web site: Cleveland Clinic - What Is Cholesterol? May 15, 2026
Add new Web site: CellPress - Cell - A Century of Cholesterol and Coronaries: From Plaques to Genes to Statins. Apr 04, 2026
Add new Web site: Frontiers - Frontiers in Oncology - Cholesterol effects on the tumor immune microenvironment: from fundamental concepts to mechanisms and implications. Sep 06, 2025
Add new Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Physiology, Cholesterol. Jul 08, 2025
Add new Web site: Verywell Health - Espresso is Linked to Higher Total Cholesterol Levels. Jun 03, 2025
Add new Web site: Mount Sinai - Cholesterol. Nov 17, 2023
Add new Web site: Live Science - Cholesterol Levels: High, Low, Good & Bad. Feb 10, 2023
Add new Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Biochemistry, Cholesterol. Dec 29, 2022
Add new Web site: Medicine LibreTexts - Cholesterol synthesis. Nov 18, 2022
Add new Web site: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cholesterol. Aug 30, 2022
Add new Web site: Verywell Health - Understanding High Cholesterol and Borderline High Cholesterol. Feb 14, 2021
Add new Web site: Better Health Channel - Cholesterol. Feb 14, 2021
Media added. Apr 07, 2016
Add new Web site: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About High Blood Cholesterol. Dec 16, 2013
Add new Web site: British Broadcasting Corporation - Nutrient. Dec 13, 2013
Add new Web site: Buzzle.com - Cholesterol. Dec 13, 2013
Add new Web site: Mayo Clinic - Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers. Dec 13, 2013
Add new Web site: British Heart Foundation - High Cholesterol. Dec 13, 2013
Add new Web site: WebMd - Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Add new Web site: National Library of Medicine - Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Add new Web site: Health Central - Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Add new Web site: MedicineNet - Facts About Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Add new Web site: NHS - Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Add new Web site: MayoClinic.com - Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Add new Web site: KidsHealth - TeensHealth - Cholesterol. Mar 03, 2013
Added a video describing the two major protein complexes of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins. Jan 12, 2012
New illustration added. Jan 15, 2009
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Healthguide - Cholesterol. Sep 24, 2008
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Healthguide - Cholesterol InDepth. Aug 21, 2008
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Health - Alternative Medicine For High Cholesterol. Aug 04, 2008
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Health - Cholesterol Levels. Jul 31, 2008
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Health - How Cholesterol Works. Jul 31, 2008
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Health - How the Body Uses Cholesterol. Jul 31, 2008
Added new Web site: The Nemours Foundation - For Teens - Cholesterol. May 12, 2008
Article revised. Dec 21, 1998
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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