NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System Related

Review NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System related questions and content

Cholesterol is a major component of atherosclerotic plaque. Cholesterol carried by ______ is linked to coronary heart disease.

  • A. micelle
  • B. chylomicron
  • C. low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
  • D. high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells, leading to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can result in coronary heart disease. Micelles are small lipid structures, not carriers of cholesterol. Chylomicrons are large lipoprotein particles that transport dietary fats, not primarily cholesterol. HDL is known as "good cholesterol" as it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for excretion, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.