Dictionary > Chylomicron

Chylomicron

Definition
noun, plural: chylomicrons
Any of the lipoprotein particles found in blood and lymph that is associated with the transport of dietary lipids from the small intestine to various tissues such as liver, adipose, cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue during digestion of fat.
Supplement
Chylomicron is one of the five major groups of lipoproteins (the other four are VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL). They are synthesized in the small intestine and carried via the intestinal lacteals by way of the lymphatic system to various tissues of the body such as liver, adipose, cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue. In these tissues their triglyceride components are released through the activity of lipoprotein lipase. The chylomicron remnants are cleared by the liver by receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Word origin: chyl(e) + Greek mīkron, small thing, from neuter of mīkros, small.
Compare: vldl, idl, ldl, hdl

See also: lipoprotein


You will also like...

An artistic depiction of Dunkleosteus fish
Fish

The sea was teeming with life. Eventually, through reproduction and continued variation, fish came about. There are over..

running freshwater community
Running Water Freshwater Community Factors

This tutorial noted some of the physical and chemical factors that provide the framework of a running water community in..

Principles of Hormonal Control Systems
Principles of Hormonal Control Systems

Hormones are essential in the regulation of the activity of the various biological systems of the human body. The ineffi..

Cell Respiration
Cell Respiration

Cell respiration is the process of creating ATP. It is "respiration" because it utilizes oxygen. Know the different stag..

An artistic depiction of a human embryo
Growth and Development of a Human Baby

Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

Neural Control Mechanisms
Neural Control Mechanisms

Neurons generate electric signals that they pass along to the other neurons or target tissues. In this tutorial, you wil..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics