Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is the pathway by which peripheral cell cholesterol can
be returned to the liver for catabolism. Evidence of specific functions for molecular structures
within individual plasma lipoprotein species has rapidly accumulated from recent studies
using molecular and cellular physiology techniques. The removal of cholesterol from cells,
like its delivery, appears to be specific and well regulated. Although further research will be
needed, RCT can now be understood in molecular terms.