Cortisol is a type of lipid hormone. Which type of lipid would cortisol be classified as?

Cortisol is classified as a steroid, which is a specific type of lipid characterized by a structure containing four fused carbon rings. This structural feature distinguishes steroids from other types of lipids such as phospholipids, triglycerides, and fatty acids, which have different configurations and functions in the body.

Steroids, including cortisol, are synthesized from cholesterol and play critical roles in various physiological processes, including metabolism regulation, immune response modulation, and stress response. Cortisol, specifically, is known as a glucocorticoid hormone and is involved in the body's response to stress, influencing glucose metabolism and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Understanding the classification of cortisol as a steroid helps to appreciate its unique mechanisms of action and the broader category of hormones that share similar characteristics. This distinction is essential for studying how different lipids function within biological systems and how they contribute to overall homeostasis.