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Phospholipids contain a phosphate-bearing head and a lipid backbone: either diacylglycerol in glycerophospholipids or ceramide in sphingophospholipids. In glycerophospholipids, the fatty acids and phosphate-linked head group attach to glycerol; head groups such as choline, serine, and inositol influence charge and biological roles. Their amphipathic structure supports membrane organization, while particular phospholipids contribute to surfactant function, mitochondrial membranes, and second-messenger signaling. Phospholipids are synthesized through pathways involving activated intermediates and are degraded by phospholipases. These structural and metabolic differences also help explain selected clinical associations, including disorders involving surfactant or sphingomyelin metabolism.