Phospholipids, or glycerophospholipids, are one of the eight major types of lipids. Molecules of phospholipids help form a protective layer around all the body`s cells and play a critical role in cell metabolism and cell signaling. In the blood, phospholipids are needed for healthy clotting.

Phospholipids occur naturally throughout the plant and animal world. They are abundant in egg yolks, liver, peanuts, and soybeans (from which they are extracted to make lecithin). A typical diet contains only about 2 grams per day. Though phospholipids are essential to cell life, sources need not be sought because your body synthesizes them from the foods you eat.

In this model, carbon atoms are dark gray, hydrogen atoms are white, phosphorus atoms are orange, nitrogen atoms are blue, and oxygen atoms are red.

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