Arachidonic acid (AA) IS A 20-carban, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid crucial for cell regulation. It is stored in cell membranes and, when released, acts as the precursor for important lipid mediators called eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins. While essential for wound healing and fighting infections, its role is complex and linked to inflammation, as its metabolites can be pro-inflammatory.