Adipose tissue, sometimes referred to as body fat or just fat, is a connective tissue composed of adipocytes. A structural network of fibers holds fat globules in the adipocytes, which act as storage reservoirs. Adipose tissue functions as a protective cushion or an insulator.

Subcutaneously, or beneath the skin, fats are present in the bone marrow, breast tissues, intestinal folds, muscles, and the area surrounding the heart. In this article, we will learn about the adipose tissue location, types, histology, and more in detail.

Adipose Tissue Definition

Adipose tissue, genrally known as body fat, is a connective tissue that stores energy in the form of fat and provides insulation and cushioning for the body’s organs. It plays a critical role in metabolic processes and hormone production.

The metabolic and endocrine organs of adipose tissue are important and extremely active. Leptin, oestrogen, and resistin are among the hormones that can be obtained from it. The main constituent of adipose tissue is adipocytes or fat cells. These are made up of lipid storage droplets, which have different sizes according to the quantity of fat that has been stored. They contain triacylglycerol.

Adipose Tissue Location

Adipose tissue is located throughout the body in various locations. In humans, the most prevalent form of fat is white adipose tissue. It is found in visceral fat, bone marrow fat, and subcutaneous fat. All over the body, subcutaneous fat is located in the space created by the separation of the skin from the underlying muscles.

Visceral fat is mainly found in the peritoneum, a membrane surrounding abdominal organs like the liver, intestines, and kidneys. Also, there is white adipose tissue in the bone marrow, which is a sponge-like substance found in the centre of bones. The pericardium around the heart also contains white adipose tissue.

Diagram of Adipose Tissue

The labeled diagram of Adipose tissue is given below:

Adipose Tissue

Adipose Tissue Structure

Adipose tissue is composed of adipocytes or fat cells, which store energy in the form of fat molecules called triglycerides. These cells are embedded in a matrix of connective tissue that provides structural support. Adipose tissue is highly vascularized, meaning it has a rich blood supply, which facilitates the transport of nutrients and hormones to and from the tissue. It is also innervated by nerves, allowing for communication with the central nervous system. The structure of adipose tissue varies depending on its location in the body and its metabolic activity. During foetal development, mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into adipocytes, which gives birth to adipose tissue. Three distinct cell types can be distinguished from adipocytes according to their location, function, and place of origin.

Types of Adipose Tissue

Following are the 3 types of Adipose tissue: Adipocytes come in three different types: white, beige, and brown.

The primary purpose of adipose tissue is to store energy in the form of lipids (fat). Fat tissue is classified as visceral (found around organs) and parietal (found under the skin) depending on where it is located. There are two types of adipose tissue based on the shape of adipocytes

• Adults are the primary carriers of white adipose tissue.
• Brown adipose tissue is present in infants and also in adults in small quantity

In addition to storing energy, fat tissue serves a number of other crucial purposes in the human body. These include the generation of various bioactive substances, thermal isolation, cushioning the organs, and an endocrine function.

Adipose Tissue Function

In addition to storing fat, these cells have many other functions like:

• It is a metabolic organ that helps in homeostasis management.
• Thermal insulation
• Production of a large quantity of bioactive components.
• It serves as an endocrine gland that is in charge of hormone synthesis.
• It help in providing organ cushioning.

Adipose Tissue Histology

Adipose tissue is a unique kind of connective tissue with a wide range of endocrine functions, energy storage, and glucose homeostasis, among other structural metabolic roles. Adipocytes, along with the stromal cells and macrophages that accompany them, express a variety of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines.

Adipose tissue comes in three different varieties: beige or “brite” adipose tissue, which is a transitional form; white adipose tissue; and brown adipose tissue. The primary function of brown adipose tissue, which is primarily found in foetuses and young children, is thermogenesis. Even as adults, small amounts of brown adipose tissue are present. The majority of adult adipose tissue is white, and it is involved in a number of disease conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Adipose Tissue Examples

One kind of loose connective tissue that accumulates fat is called adipose connective tissue. A few places where adipose tissue can be found are as follows:

• Deep under the skin, the subcutaneous layer surrounding the heart and kidneys
• The long bones’ yellow marrow
• Cushioning the joints
• Behind the eyeball, within the eye socket.

Conclusion – Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue is found all over the body and performs a variety of physiological tasks. It is a rich source of bioactive compounds and ADSCs and can be harvested using a variety of methods. Adipose tissue has been used in orthopaedic surgery research as a source for both non-homologous and homologous cell and tissue applications.

Also Read:

• Diagram of Connective Tissue
• Fats – Types, Sources, and Importance of Fats
• Structure and Types of Animal Tissues

FAQs on Adipose Tissue

What Materials Make up Adipose Tissue?

Adipocytes, the building blocks of adipose tissue, are enmeshed in a structural collagen fibre mesh.

What is the Location of the Adipose Tissue?

Subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, marrow fat in the bone marrow, and breast tissues are all examples of adipose tissue.

What is the Function of Perirenal Fat?

The function of perirenal fat is to provide cushioning and protection to the kidneys.

What is the Difference Between Fat Tissue and Adipose Tissue?

Fat tissue and adipose tissue are the same; both terminologies refer to the body’s storage of energy in the form of fat cells

What are the Main Functions of Adipose Tissue?

The main functions of adipose tissue include energy storage, insulation, and cushioning of organs.

What are the Two Types of Adipose Tissue?

The two types of adipose tissue are white adipose tissue (WAT), which stores energy, and brown adipose tissue (BAT), which generates heat.