Cholesterol transported from the cells to the liver by HDL can then be used to synthesize bile. O False O True
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is True.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as “good cholesterol” due to its role in transporting cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. This process is part of a mechanism called reverse cholesterol transport. Cholesterol, which is produced by cells and taken in from the bloodstream, can accumulate in the walls of blood vessels, potentially leading to atherosclerosis, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease. HDL helps mitigate this by collecting excess cholesterol and transporting it back to the liver.
Once HDL reaches the liver, the cholesterol it carries can be repurposed. One of the liver’s primary functions in this regard is the synthesis of bile acids. Bile is essential for digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. The liver converts cholesterol into bile acids, which are then stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestine when fat is present in the digestive tract. Bile acids help emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller particles so they can be more easily digested and absorbed by the body.
The cycle of cholesterol being transported to the liver and then used to produce bile is important for maintaining cholesterol balance in the body. This process also prevents the harmful buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels, which could contribute to cardiovascular disease. Moreover, a high level of HDL is considered beneficial because it enhances the removal of excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, promoting heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.