CHYLOMICRON Meaning and
Definition
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A chylomicron is a type of lipoprotein, which is a complex molecule composed of proteins and lipids that transport fats and cholesterol throughout the body. Specifically, chylomicrons are spherical particles that form in the small intestine after the ingestion of dietary fats. They are responsible for the transport of dietary triglycerides, as well as other lipids, from the intestine to various tissues within the body.
Chylomicrons are the largest type of lipoprotein and are composed primarily of triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins called apolipoproteins. These molecules are essential for the assembly and stability of chylomicrons. After formation, chylomicrons enter the lymphatic system and eventually reach the bloodstream, where they travel to adipose tissue (fat cells) and muscle cells.
At these target tissues, the enzyme lipoprotein lipase acts upon the chylomicrons, breaking down the triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. These components are then taken up by the cells and used for energy or stored as fat. The remnants of chylomicrons, containing primarily cholesterol, return to the liver where they are further metabolized or excreted.
Elevated levels of chylomicrons in the blood, a condition known as hyperchylomicronemia, can be indicative of certain genetic disorders, such as familial chylomicronemia syndrome, which impair the metabolism of triglycerides. This can lead to the accumulation of triglycerides and an increased risk of pancreatitis. Regular monitoring and management of chylomicron levels are crucial to maintain a healthy lipid profile.
Common Misspellings for CHYLOMICRON
- xhylomicron
- vhylomicron
- fhylomicron
- dhylomicron
- cgylomicron
- cbylomicron
- cnylomicron
- cjylomicron
- cuylomicron
- cyylomicron
- chtlomicron
- chglomicron
- chhlomicron
- chulomicron
- ch7lomicron
- ch6lomicron
- chykomicron
- chypomicron
- chyoomicron
Etymology of CHYLOMICRON
The word "chylomicron" is derived from Greek roots. It combines "chylo-" which comes from the Greek word "khylos" meaning "juice" or "juicy" and "micron" which comes from the Greek word "mikros" meaning "small". Therefore, "chylomicron" essentially means "small droplet of juice". In the context of biology, chylomicrons refer to small droplets of fat or lipids that are found in the bloodstream after the digestion of dietary fats.
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