Cholesterol, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
Kimberly Reed
SC121- Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Unit 2 Assignment
Professor Glenn Huff
Cholesterol, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! 1
Lipids are fats and fatty substances that serve as a source of fuel in the body and are important to cell structure. Lipid consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Lipids are important because they limit water and water soluble substances from passing through the membrane, which keeps the contents of the cell separated from the outside environment (Funk& Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2014). Lipids consists of triglycerides, …show more content…
Cholesterol is a compound important in the production of sex hormones, steroids, cell membranes, and bile acids. Cholesterol is produced in the body and is in contained in foods that have animal fats. Cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins, which can be dissolved in the body. There are two types of lipoproteins; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The LDL (referred to as “bad” cholesterol) transports cholesterol to the tissue and deposits it on the walls of the arteries. High levels of LDL have been associated with arthrosclerosis, which may lead to coronary artery disease. HDL (referred to as “good” cholesterol) removes cholesterol from the tissues and transports it to the liver to be released in the bile. When the body has an unbalance in cholesterol, it then is considered as high cholesterol.
There are many causes of high cholesterol. Heredity, weight, and physical activity can cause a person to have high cholesterol. Heredity influences how the body responds to LDL, excessive weight may increase LDL, and physical activity may raise HDL. The age and sex of a person can also determine cholesterol levels. Alcohol use (excessive use) and mental stress can also raise cholesterol levels. There are several ways that a person can lower their cholesterol naturally. Natural treatments include eating better, lose excessive weight and exercise daily (EMedicine Health, 2014).
Cholesterol, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!