Sebum!
Sebum
Yes, it's true.
Sebaceous glands produce an oily mixture known as sebum, which consists of lipids, cholesterol, and cell fragments. This oily substance helps lubricate the skin and hair, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Sebum also has antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin from bacteria and fungi.
An oily mixture of lipids, cholesterol, and cell fragments is called an atheroma. Atheromas can form within the walls of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, a condition that can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sebum is a complex mixture of lipids, including triglycerides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and sebaceous glands' cellular components. It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration, protecting against microbial infections, and helping in thermoregulation. The composition and amount of sebum produced can vary based on genetic factors, hormones, and skin health.
It prevents the lipids on the cell membrane from sticking together
The cell wall is composed of lipids, phospholipids, and cholesterol.
Cholesterol belongs to the group of macromolecules known as lipids. It plays a crucial role in cell membrane structure and function, as well as serving as a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones.
The best known lipids include triglycerides (fats), phospholipids (found in cell membranes), and cholesterol (important for cell structure and hormone production). These are essential for various biological functions in the body.
Some of the lipids found in a cell membrane include phospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine), glycolipids, and cholesterol. These lipids play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the cell membrane.
The three most common lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol. Triglycerides are the main form of fat storage in the body, phospholipids are important components of cell membranes, and cholesterol plays a role in cell structure and hormone production.