Adipose tissue, also known as fat tissue, is a specialized connective tissue that functions as a major energystorage site in the body. It is made up of adipocytes, which are specialized cells that store fat in the form of triglycerides. Adipose tissue also plays a crucial role in insulation, cushioning, and energymetabolism.
Types of Adipose Tissue
There are two main types of adipose tissue:
White Adipose Tissue (WAT): WAT is the most common type of adipose tissue and is involved in energystorage. It is found in the subcutaneous layer beneath the skin and around internal organs.
Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT): BAT is specialized in energy expenditure and thermogenesis. It contains a high number of mitochondria and is involved in generating heat to maintain body temperature. BAT is mainly found in newborns and hibernating animals.
Health implications of adipose tissue, including obesity and metabolic disorders
Understanding the role of adipose tissue in the human body is crucial for comprehending metabolism, obesity, and related health conditions. Mastery of these concepts will provide a solid foundation for further studies in physiology, biochemistry, and medical sciences.
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles or energy stored in fields.