High Density Lipoprotein

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein

**Definition:** The smallest and densest lipoproteins, containing a high proportion of protein. They are synthesized in the liver as empty proteins and they pick up cholesterol and increase in size as they circulate through the bloodstream. Because HDL can remove cholesterol from the arteries, and transport it back to the liver for excretion, they are seen as "good" lipoproteins.

**Synonyms:** - HDL - HDL Particle - High Density Lipoprotein Particle - High Density Lipoprotein Particle