n. a *phospholipid that contains sphingosine. Sphingolipids are found in large amounts in brain and nerve tissue.
n. one of a group of compounds occurring in the *myelin sheaths of nerve fibres. They are *glycolipids, containing a sphingolipid bound to a sugar, usually galactose (in galactocerebrosides) or glucose (in glucocerebrosides).... cerebroside
an inherited (autosomal *recessive) disorder of lipid metabolism due to a defect in the enzyme sphingomyelinase and resulting in accumulation of sphingomyelin (a sphingolipid) and other phospholipids in the bone marrow, brain, liver, and spleen. Patients present with neurological problems, learning disabilities, and enlargement of the liver and spleen at a young age. There are four known types of the disease. [A. Niemann (1880–1921), German paediatrician; L. Pick (1868–1944), German pathologist]... niemann–pick disease
n. a *lipid containing a phosphate group as part of the molecule. Phospholipids are constituents of all tissues and organs, especially the brain. They are synthesized in the liver and small intestine and are involved in many of the body’s metabolic processes. Examples of phospholipids are *cephalins, *lecithins, sphingolipids, plasmalogens, and phosphatidylserine.... phospholipid
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