Final answer:
Linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. They are necessary for normal growth and development, as well as the synthesis of other unsaturated fatty acids and efficient cholesterol metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid are referred to as essential fatty acids for humans because they cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. These fatty acids are required for normal growth and development and are necessary for the synthesis of other unsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid and prostaglandins. They are also essential for efficient transport and metabolism of cholesterol.