In the context of cell membranes, phospholipids play a crucial role in creating the bilayer structure that serves as the foundation for cellular organization. They consist of hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads which interact with each other to form a dynamic barrier. A specific type of lipid, sphingolipids, can also be found within these membranes and may influence membrane fluidity and signaling pathways.
Which of the following statements most accurately describes a distinguishing feature of sphingolipids compared to phospholipids?