Body fat, loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes (fat cells).
Its main role is to store energy, although it also cushions and insulates the body.
Body fat storage tissue, distributed under the skin, around body organs and in body cavities – composed of cells that synthesise and store fat, releasing it for metabolism in fasting. Also known as white adipose tissue, to distinguish it from the metabolically more active brown adipose tissue, which is involved in heat production to maintain body temperature. The energy yield of adipose tissue is 34-38 MJ (8000-9000 kcal) per kg.
Connective tissue in which fat is stored.
The body’s fat storage deposits located subcutaneously at certain areas, adiposity.
Anatomical location of fat stores that can be raided in times of energy deficit. Adipose tissue also is an endocrine organ secreting a variety of bioactive factors including cytokines, inflammatory mediators, fatty acids, and adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin. Most of these act at both the local (autocrine/paracrine) and systemic (endocrine) levels. In addition to these efferent signals, adipose tissue also expresses various receptors (see Receptors) that allow it to respond to afferent signals from traditional hormone systems as well as from the central nervous system (CNS). Hormones such as insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and catecholamines are active signals for adipose tissue.
Type of connective tissue containing many fat cells. It forms a layer under the skin and serves as an insulating layer and as an energy reserve.
Animal tissue containing fat. Adipose means “fat,” and adipose tissue refers specifically to tissue found under the skin or around internal organs that is chiefly made up of fat cells.
Fibrous connective tissue packed with masses of fat cells. It forms a thick layer under the skin and occurs around the kidneys and in the buttocks. It serves both as an insulating layer and an energy store; food in excess of requirements is converted into fats and stored within these cells.
Adipose tissue, or fat, is a loose variety of fibrous tissue in the meshes of which lie cells, each of which is distended by several small drops, or one large drop, of fat. This tissue replaces fibrous tissue when the amount of food taken is in excess of the bodily requirements. Adipose tissue occurs as a layer beneath the skin and also around several internal organs.
Technical term for fat; gives smoothness and contour to the body.
A layer composed of adipose tissue, which consists of fat cells, positioned directly beneath the skin’s surface and surrounding various internal organs.
Adipose tissue consists of fat cells called adipocytes, wherein fat is stored. The accumulation of fat within adipose tissue occurs due to an excess intake of food, serving as an energy reservoir. Excessive fat storage within adipose tissue is a characteristic feature of obesity. This tissue provides insulation against heat loss and helps absorb impact in regions prone to sudden or frequent pressure, such as the buttocks, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet. Additionally, adipose tissue functions as a cushion, safeguarding organs like the heart, kidneys, and eyeballs.
Following puberty, the distribution of superficial adipose tissue varies between males and females. In males, superficial adipose tissue tends to accumulate around the shoulders, waist, and abdomen, while in females, it is more commonly found on the breasts, hips, and thighs. Women generally have a higher proportion of adipose tissue in relation to their total body weight compared to men. In cases of obesity, the central deposition of body fat around the waist is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This may be attributed to the fact that fat in this region often leads to elevated blood lipid levels.