Adipose tissue is a form of connective tissue. It is a highly specialised tissue, important in both people and animals. Adipocytes, or adipose tissue cells, generate fatty acids and absorb lipids and triacylglycerol. It even defends mechanical injuries and cold temperatures. The adipose tissue aids the act of thermogenesis. Adipose tissue is also a metabolically active organ. Aside from adipocytes, adipose tissue comprises the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), including fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and immune cells such as macrophages.
Adipose tissue meaning
The primary purpose of adipose tissue, which accounts for roughly 20-25 percent of total body mass in healthy people, is to store the energy of lipids. Fat tissue is classified as parietal (underneath the skin) or visceral (within the body) depending on its origin (surrounding organs). There are two forms of adipose tissue based on adipocyte morphology:
- White adipose tissue – is primarily seen in adults.
- Brown adipose tissue – is primarily seen in newborns.
On the basis of the number of fat globules adipocytes are of two types .
Unilocular adipocytes
In these cells a single large and central fat globule is present .Nucleus & cytoplasm is peripheral and Cytoplasm is less .Due to compression of globules, the nucleus flattened in shape. These adipocytes form White Fat.
Multilocular adipocytes
In these cells many small fat globules are distributed in the cytoplasm around the nucleus. Cytoplasm is more in quantity . Nucleus is rounded & found in the centre. These adipocytes form Brown Fat. Men seem to be more prone to accumulate visceral fat in the centre of their abdomen, which can cause weight gain. Women, on either hand, gain fat around their hips and thighs. These differences are caused by the hormonal changes produced by males and females.
What is the function of adipose tissue?
Adipose tissue is primarily acknowledged as an essential and functional endocrine organ. Adipocytes are well-recognized for their role in energy gathering, and this energy is distributed throughout the body. The fatty tissue endocrine function has only recently been revealed. Adipocytes are one kind of cell found in adipose tissue; it further contains a range of other types that can secrete hormones in reaction to stimulation from the body’s various organs. Moreover, through the actions of these hormones, adipose tissue controls sex, cholesterol, and glucose hormones production.
Yellow adipose tissue explanation
Yellow adipose tissue (YAT), also referred to as bone marrow fat, is a depot spread all across the bone marrow, having a predominant location in trabecular cavities, and is commonly thought to have traits of both WAT and BAT. YAT is no longer seen as a “space-filler” but as a highly active tissue with tasks that expand beyond triglyceride storage and lipid metabolism, including systemic energy regulation and insulin sensitivity management. Furthermore, systemic alterations linked to adipose tissue homeostasis significantly impact glucose, energy intake, and bone health.
What hormones are produced by adipose tissue?
A variety of hormones get produced by adipose tissue, each responsible for the different processes in the body. Below are some instances of its uses:
- The enzyme aromatase involves involved in the metabolism of sex hormones.
- TNF alpha, IL-6, & leptin seem to be cytokines that are proteins that help cells communicate with one another.
- Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is indeed a protein involved in blood clotting.
- Angiotensin II is a hormone that regulates blood pressure.
- Adiponectin protects against type 2 diabetes by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
- Lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein E include lipoprotein lipase and apolipoprotein E, which are engaged in fat accumulation and metabolism that release energy.
What could go wrong when it comes to adipose tissue?
Either too much or too less adipose tissue could be dangerous for health. Increased adipose tissue, specifically visceral fat, is the most common cause of obesity. Obesity is linked to a plethora of serious medical conditions. By helping the body to become glucose resistant, it raises the real risk of type 2 diabetes. This resistance leads to high blood sugar, which seems hazardous to one’s well-being. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and possibly a propensity to clot. These variables make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack.
Lipodystrophy, or a shortage of adipose tissue, can also create comparable difficulties and has become more prevalent in HIV/AIDS therapy.
Patients with disordered eating (including anorexia nervosa) do not eat sufficient food to maintain their adipose tissue levels. This implies an unhealthy quantity of weight shed.
Conclusion
Body fat is adipose tissue. It is present underneath the skin, lining major organs, muscles, bone marrow, and breast tissue. Adipose tissue, sometimes referred to as fatty tissue, is a connective tissue made up primarily of fat tissue referred to as adipocytes. Adipocytes are fat-storing cells with enormous globules of fat called lipid droplets wrapped by a web of fibres. Adipose tissue is a form of connective tissue that forms when mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into adipocytes throughout foetal development. Mesenchymal stem cells are pluripotent, capable of differentiating fat cells, bone cells, cartilage cells, and muscle cells, among many other types of cells.