Sphingomyelins are complex membrane lipids composed of phosphorylcholine, sphingosine, and an acylated group, such as a fatty acid. C16 Sphingomyelin is a form of sphingomyelin containing palmitate (16:0) at the variable acylation position. It is the most common form of sphingomyelin found in eggs and is less abundant in the brain and milk. C16 Sphingomyelin interacts with cholesterol in ordered lipid domains (lipid rafts). Sphingomyelinases remove phosphorylcholine from C16 sphingomyelin to produce C16 ceramide. While ceramides commonly induce apoptosis, ceramides with different fatty acid chain lengths might direct distinct functions and, in some cases, reduce apoptosis.