Author: Glossary
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Lipids, plasma
Triacylglycerols, free and esterified cholesterol and phospholipids, present in lipoproteins in blood plasma. Chylomicrons consist mainly of triacylglycerols and protein; they are the form in which lipids absorbed in the small intestine enter the bloodstream. Very low- density lipoproteins (VLDL) are assembled in the liver and exported to other tissues, where they provide a source…
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Lipedema (lipoedema)
Condition in which fat deposits accumulate in the lower extremities, from hips to ankles, with tenderness of the affected parts. Swelling of the skin, especially of the lower extremity, owing to accumulation of fat and fluid subcutaneously.
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Lipectomy
Surgical removal of subcutaneous fat. The surgical removal of excess body fat.
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Lipase
Enzyme that hydrolyses fats to glycerol and fatty acids. An enzyme (one of a class of enzymes) that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of lipid molecules (triglycerides) to yield free fatty acids. Lipase was the first enzyme to be produced via genetic engineering and marketed. Lipase also occurs naturally in cow’s milk, and in the intestines…
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γ-linolenic acid
A non-essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (08:3 ω6).
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α-linolenic acid
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (08:3 ω3).
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Linoleic acid
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (08:2 ω6). An essential fatty acid not synthesized by the body and therefore must be obtained from the diet. An essential nutritional substance found in animal and vegetable fats and essential for growth. One of the essential fatty acids, found in grains and seeds. An essential fatty acid of the…
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Limosis
Abnormal hunger or excessive desire for food.
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Lignin (lignocellulose)
Indigestible part of the cell wall of plants (a polymer of aromatic alcohols). It is included in measurement of dietary fibre, but not of non-starch polysaccharide. A tough, fibrous material found in older plant cell walls. A complex biopolymer comprising the bulk of woody plants. It consists of polysaccharides and polymer phenols. A complex indigestible…
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Lieberkiihn, crypts of
Glands lining the small intestine which secrete the intestinal juice.