HDL represents which protective function?

HDL represents which protective function?

• A. It transports cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues
• B. It transports cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver
• C. It transports triglycerides from the intestines
• D. It has no role in cardiovascular risk

Answer: (D)

HDL’s protective function is reverse cholesterol transport. HDL particles collect cholesterol from peripheral tissues, including arterial wall macrophages, and return it to the liver for excretion or reuse. This helps remove cholesterol from sites where it can contribute to plaque formation, lowering cardiovascular risk. The other ideas don’t fit this protective role: transporting cholesterol from the liver to tissues is done by LDL/VLDL, not HDL; triglyceride transfer from the intestines involves intestinal lipoproteins, not HDL; and saying HDL has no role in cardiovascular risk contradicts substantial evidence showing higher HDL activity or levels are associated with lower risk.

HDL’s protective function is reverse cholesterol transport. HDL particles collect cholesterol from peripheral tissues, including arterial wall macrophages, and return it to the liver for excretion or reuse. This helps remove cholesterol from sites where it can contribute to plaque formation, lowering cardiovascular risk.

The other ideas don’t fit this protective role: transporting cholesterol from the liver to tissues is done by LDL/VLDL, not HDL; triglyceride transfer from the intestines involves intestinal lipoproteins, not HDL; and saying HDL has no role in cardiovascular risk contradicts substantial evidence showing higher HDL activity or levels are associated with lower risk.