Final answer:
Cholesterol is essential for maintaining various body functions including cell membrane integrity, absorption of dietary fats, synthesis of vitamin D and steroid hormones, and production of bile salts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cholesterol is vital to cell membrane function, dietary fat absorption, steroid hormone synthesis, and bile salt synthesis. Cholesterol has several crucial roles in the body, including being a key component of the plasma membrane of animal cells. It is a steroid that is mainly synthesized in the liver and plays a role in the production of vitamin D, hormones, and bile salts. Contrary to its often negative reputation in lay discussions, cholesterol is critical for maintaining proper body functions. It not only aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, but also serves as a precursor for many steroid hormones, including testosterone and estradiol.