Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Definition

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is a cellular organelle involved in various functions such as lipid synthesis, detoxification of drugs and toxins, and calcium storage.

Related terms

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum:

This is another type of endoplasmic reticulum that is covered in ribosomes. It plays a role in protein synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus:

The Golgi apparatus receives proteins and lipids from the rough endoplasmic reticulum, modifies them, and packages them into vesicles for transport within or outside the cell.

Lipid Synthesis: The process by which lipids (fats) are produced within cells. It occurs mainly in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.