Final answer:
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is the substance that carries cholesterol away from the cells, decreasing the risk of plaque formation and thereby helping to prevent heart disease. C) HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Step-by-step explanation:
The substance that carries cholesterol from the cells, contributing to a decreased risk of plaque formation, is C) HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein). High-density lipoproteins (HDL) collect cholesterol from other tissues and return it to the liver for processing or elimination.
This function helps to prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, also known as plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis—a major cause of heart disease. In contrast, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are often referred to as 'bad cholesterol' because they transport cholesterol to the tissues, which can result in plaque formation if levels are too high.
Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) also transport fats but mainly carry triglycerides, not cholesterol, and can still contribute to plaque buildup. Therefore, HDL is often dubbed 'good cholesterol' because of its protective role against heart disease.