Adipose tissue

A type of connective tissue that stores energy in the form of fat and provides insulation and cushioning for the body.

Adipose tissue is a specialized connective tissue composed of adipocytes, or fat cells, and serves vital roles in energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs. It is also an active endocrine organ, releasing hormones that influence metabolic processes. Adipose tissue can be found in two main types: white adipose tissue, primarily responsible for energy storage, and brown adipose tissue, which generates heat.

Terminologia Anatomica

adipose-tissue

System

Endocrine system

Function

The primary function of adipose tissue is to store energy in the form of triglycerides, which can be mobilized when the body requires fuel, particularly during extended periods of fasting or increased physical activity. In addition to energy storage, it plays a crucial role in thermoregulation by acting as an insulator to maintain body temperature. Moreover, adipose tissue provides mechanical cushioning for vital organs, safeguarding them from trauma. Importantly, it secretes various hormones and proteins, such as leptin and adiponectin, which are involved in regulating metabolism, appetite, and inflammation. This essential role in hormonal balance highlights the interplay between adipose tissue and overall health, particularly in conditions like obesity and diabetes where this regulation may be disrupted.

Location

Adipose tissue is distributed throughout the body, found beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) as well as around vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver (visceral fat). Its thickness and distribution patterns can vary significantly among individuals depending on factors such as genetics, age, diet, and physical activity levels. In infants, there is a higher proportion of brown adipose tissue, crucial for thermogenesis, whereas adults primarily have white adipose tissue that accumulates in specific regions like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

Did You Know?

Adipose tissue can be both a friend and a foe; while it stores necessary energy, excessive accumulation can lead to health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Brown adipose tissue, which burns calories and generates heat, is more prevalent in newborns and hibernating animals compared to adults, where it is found in limited amounts.
Research suggests that the location of fat storage, particularly visceral fat, can impact health risks, with abdominal fat linked to higher risks of metabolic disorders.