lecithin (redirected from sphingomyelin ratio)

lecithin /lec·i·thin/ (les´ĭ-thin) phosphatidylcholine.

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lec·i·thin (ls-thn)

n.

Any of a group of phospholipids that on hydrolysis yield two fatty acid molecules and a molecule each of glycerophosphoric acid and choline. They are found in nervous tissue, especially myelin sheaths and egg yolk, and in the plasma membrane of plant and animal cells.

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lecithin

[les′ithin]

Etymology: Gk, lekithos, yolk

phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid common in plants and animals. Lecithin is found in the liver, nerve tissue, semen and in smaller amounts, in bile and blood. It is essential as a component of all cell membranes and for fat metabolism and is used in the processing of foods, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and inks. Rich dietary sources are soybeans, egg yolk, and corn. See also choline, inositol.

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lecithin/sphingomyelin (LS) ratio,

the ratio of two components of amniotic fluid, used for predicting fetal lung maturity. The normal ratio in amniotic fluid is 2:1 or greater when fetal lungs are mature.

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lecithin (leˑ·s·thn),

n Scientific name: 1,2,diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine. A naturally occurring emulsifier, antioxidant, and dietary supplement used to lower cholesterol, to provide cardiovascular support, to treat kidney and liver conditions, and to aid in the treatment of some central nervous system disorders. See also phosphatidylcholine.

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lecithin (les´ithin),

n a class of phosphatides containing glycerol, phosphate, choline, and fatty acids. They are widely distributed in cells and possess both metabolic and structural functions in membranes. Dipalmityl lecithin is an important surface-active agent in the lungs.

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lecithin

any of a group of phospholipids found in animal tissues, especially nerve tissue, the liver, semen and egg yolk, consisting of esters of glycerol with two molecules of long-chain aliphatic acids and one of phosphoric acid, the latter being esterified with the alcohol group of choline.