Total Cholesterol

General information:

Lipids are insoluble organic compounds. The major lipids in blood plasma are fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids. The lipids obtained with the food are designated as exogenous. In the small intestine, the exogenous lipids are emulsified by the bile salts and, under the influence of the lipolytic enzymes, are broken down and then sucked up by the cells of the intestinal mucosa. There, a portion of the exogenous fatty acids are resynthesized in mono-, di- and triglycerides, cholesterol and other esters, and fall into the circulation where they are metabolized, taken up by peripheral tissues, or deposited in fat stores. The other major exogenous lipids are transported directly into the liver. Of these, the liver cell resyntheses endogenous lipids characteristic of the human body (triglycerides, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, sphingolipids, etc.). The cells in the peripheral tissues are provided with the necessary enzymes and can also synthesize cholesterol, fatty acids, phospholipids, triglycerides and other endogenous lipids, according to their needs. In case of increased energy requirements, triglycerides from fat stores are mobilized and free fatty acids are transported to the peripheral tissues for metabolism.

Sample required:

Venous blood in the morning in fasting

Key words: 

Total cholesterol, triglycerides