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Arachidonic Acid

Meaning

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found ubiquitously within the phospholipid bilayer of all cell membranes, with particularly high concentrations noted in neural, muscular, and hepatic tissues. This essential fatty acid serves as a crucial precursor molecule for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids, which are powerful, localized signaling molecules including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. The metabolic derivatives of AA are pivotal in regulating inflammatory responses, vascular tone, and numerous hormonal signaling cascades throughout the body.