Final answer:
Cholesterol is not an essential fatty acid, but it plays important roles in the body. It is a precursor to vitamin D, bile salts, and hormones, and is a key component of cell membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cholesterol is not an essential fatty acid; however, it is an important component in the body. Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic and a-linolenic acids, cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet. Cholesterol is a precursor to vitamin D, bile salts, and various hormones. It is also a vital component of cell membranes.