Structure and Functions of Adipose Tissue

Note: This page is part of the section about the structure and function of different Tissue Types, which is related to the section about Histology and Cells (incl. structure of animal cells, cell division, mitosis, meiosis). This "Tissue Types" section is included to complete description of the knowledge of "Histology - The Cell" required by some courses in First-Level Anatomy and Physiology. To read about other tissue types see the list of on the left.

Adipose Tissue is a loose fibrous connective tissue that is packed with many fat cells (called "adipocytes"):

1.0 Where in the body is adipose tissue ?

Adipose tissue forms a thick layer under the skin, around the kidneys and in the buttocks.
More generally, it is found at the same locations throughout the body as areolar connective tissue.

Specific examples of the locations of adipose tissue include:

• Subcutaneous layer deep to skin;
• Around the heart;
• Around the kidneys;
• Yellow marrow of the long bones
• Padding around the joints
• Inside the eye-socket, posterior to the eyeball.

 

2.0 The Structure of adipose tissue

	Adipose Tissue is a loose fibrous connective tissue packed with many cells (called "adipocytes") that are specialized for storage of triglycerides more commonly referred to as "fats". Each adipocyte cell is filled with a single large droplet of triglyceride (fat). As this occupies most of the volume of the cell, its cytoplasm, nucleus, and other components are pushed towards the edges of the cell - which is bounded by the plasma membrane (also known as the "cell membrane"). Above: Diagram of Adipose Tissue
	Definition of an Adipocyte:
	"An adipocyte is an animal cell whose particular function is the storage of triglyerides (fats). As the triglyceride is stored in a large central area of the cytoplasm of adipocytes, their nuclei are peripherally located." Examples are simple representations of adipocytes are shown in the diagram above.

3.0 The Functions of adipose tissue

• Adipose tissue acts as an insulating layer, helping to reduce heat loss through the skin.
  
• It also has a protective function, providing mechanical protection ("padding") and support around some of the major organs, e.g. kidneys.
  
• Adipose tissue is also a means of energy storage. Food that is excess to requirements is converted into fat and stored within adipose tissue in the body.

See also the related page about the structure of cells.

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