QUESTION: Which tissue stores fat in our body?
ANS:
- Adipose tissue stores fat in our body.
- It is a specialized connective tissue that consists of fat cells called adipocytes.
- Its primary function is to store energy in the form of triglycerides (fat) and release it when needed.
- Adipose tissue is found throughout the body, primarily in subcutaneous areas (under the skin) and around organs, such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and breasts.
- Adipose tissue stores excess energy from the food we consume in the form of triglycerides.
- When the body requires additional energy, these stored triglycerides are broken down through a process called lipolysis to provide fuel for various metabolic processes.
- Adipose tissue acts as an insulating layer, helping to maintain body temperature by reducing heat loss.
- It also provides cushioning and protection to internal organs, helping to absorb shocks and impacts.
- Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that secretes hormones such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin.
- Hormones secretes by adipose tissue help regulate appetite, energy balance, and insulin sensitivity.
| Adipose tissue | Information |
| Types | · White adipose tissue (WAT)
· Brown adipose tissue (BAT) |
| Location | · Found throughout the body with higher concentrations in certain areas like the abdomen
· Buttocks · Thighs |
| Composition
|
· Adipocytes (fat cells) along with blood vessels
· Nerves · Immune cells |
| Functions
|
· Energy storage
· Insulation · Cushioning · Hormone regulation |
| Hormone production | · Adipose tissue secretes hormones called adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin.
· These hormones play roles in appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. |
| Role in obesity | · Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, especially visceral fat (around internal organs), is associated with obesity
· Diabetes · Cardiovascular disease |
| Lipolysis | · Adipose tissue undergoes lipolysis, which is the breakdown of stored fats into fatty acids and glycerol for energy release. |
| Lipogenesis | · Lipogenesis is the process of synthesizing and storing triglycerides (fat) in adipose tissue, mainly in response to excess calorie intake. |
| Adaptive thermogenesis | · Brown adipose tissue generates heat by burning fat
· Helps to regulate body temperature · Contribute to weight management |
| Brown fat activation | · Cold exposure
· Exercise · Certain compounds (e.g., catecholamines) can activate brown fat |
| Liposuction | · Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess adipose tissue from specific areas of the body for cosmetic or medical reasons. |
| Research areas
|
· Scientists study adipose tissue in relation to obesity
· Metabolic disorders · Lipodystrophy · Adipokine signaling · Potential therapeutic interventions |