Triglycerides

Definition

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, used by the body as a major source of energy and stored in fat cells for later use. They are formed from three fatty acid molecules attached to a glycerol backbone.

Related terms

Fatty acids: Long chains of hydrocarbons that can be saturated or unsaturated, serving as the building blocks of fats.

Glycerol:

A three-carbon molecule that serves as the backbone to which fatty acids attach to form triglycerides.

Lipolysis:

The metabolic process by which triglycerides are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids, releasing energy