Chylomicron (Noun)
Meaning
A microscopic particle of triglycerides produced in the intestines during digestion; in the bloodstream they release their fatty acids into the blood.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Chylomicrons are formed in the small intestine and are responsible for transporting dietary fats to the liver and other tissues.
- The chylomicron is a type of lipoprotein that plays a crucial role in the absorption and distribution of dietary lipids.
- After a meal, chylomicrons are released into the bloodstream, where they are broken down by lipoprotein lipase, releasing fatty acids and glycerol.
- Chylomicrons are too large to pass through the capillary walls, so they are transported to the liver via the lymphatic system.
- The high levels of chylomicrons in the blood after a meal can lead to an increase in the production of very-low-density lipoproteins, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.