Figure 1
This illustration emphasizes that all cells in the body synthesize cholesterol to form membranes for the cell wall and other cellular structures. Any excess cholesterol synthesized in the cell is released into the circulation and transported to the liver for conversion into bile salts. These bile salts are subsequently secreted into the small intestine. It is estimated that 80% of the circulating cholesterol is derived from excess cholesterol synthesized by the cells. Lipid-lowering therapy, such as statins, decreases the concentration of plasma cholesterol, which is primarily destined to be secreted into the small intestine.