This illustration presents, in detail, the cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and CYP450 pathways, which are the three main branches of the arachidonic acid cascade. Metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids results in the biosynthesis of potent mediators with far-ranging physiological effects. These metabolites include prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, lipoxins, and hydroperoxy, hydroxy, and epoxy fatty acids.