HDL is often referred to as 'good cholesterol' because it does what?

HDL is often referred to as 'good cholesterol' because it does what?

• A. Deposits cholesterol in arteries
• B. Removes cholesterol from tissues
• C. Transports triglycerides to liver
• D. Increases LDL levels

Answer: (B)

HDL is known as good cholesterol because it participates in reverse cholesterol transport: it takes cholesterol away from peripheral tissues and arterial plaques and returns it to the liver to be processed and eliminated. This helps reduce plaque buildup and lower cardiovascular risk. Depositing cholesterol in arteries describes LDL’s role, not HDL. Transporting triglycerides to the liver is mainly handled by VLDL and chylomicrons, not HDL. And HDL does not increase LDL levels; its presence is associated with mechanisms that help keep LDL in check.

HDL is known as good cholesterol because it participates in reverse cholesterol transport: it takes cholesterol away from peripheral tissues and arterial plaques and returns it to the liver to be processed and eliminated. This helps reduce plaque buildup and lower cardiovascular risk. Depositing cholesterol in arteries describes LDL’s role, not HDL. Transporting triglycerides to the liver is mainly handled by VLDL and chylomicrons, not HDL. And HDL does not increase LDL levels; its presence is associated with mechanisms that help keep LDL in check.