What role does cholesterol play in the structure and function of a cell membrane?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that helps maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane. It is embedded within the phospholipid bilayer, where it regulates the membrane's flexibility and permeability. Cholesterol also plays a role in organizing and compacting the lipid molecules in the membrane, which is important for cell signaling and maintaining the overall structure of the cell.