Adipose tissue is a type of connective tissue with special properties. It has many adipocytes, specialized cells, which have the main function of energy reserve for the organism, among others.
In multilocular adipose tissue there are several drops of fat in the cell cytoplasm
Unilocular adipose tissue
Generally, when talking about “body fat” it is this tissue that is being mentioned. It is the main lipid reservoir in the body.
It is the most commonly found, being distributed over regions such as the deepest layers of the skin and around organs in the abdominal cavity. There are distribution differences between men and women, defining body shape.
The fat drops gather together to form one big drop. That's why it is called unilocular. It is also known as yellow fat, color due to fat, which contains pigments and vitamins.
The fat drop occupies almost all space in adipocytes, with this the nucleus assumes a more peripheral position and there is little cytoplasm in the cell.
Multilocular adipose tissue
This type of adipose tissue is responsible for regulating body temperature. It is mostly found in hibernating animals. In humans it is present in newborns, it is restricted to specific regions in adults.
It is called multilocular because of the many drops of fat suspended in the cytoplasm of adipocytes. They look spongy when viewed under a microscope. It is also known as brown or brown fat.
Fat drops occupy almost all the space in the cell, leaving little cytoplasm around. The nucleus is in the center or on the periphery. Many mitochondria and capillaries are also present.
Mitochondria transform lipid energy into thermal energy. This energy is released into the blood, increasing body temperature and helping to wake up hibernating animals.
Roles
- Energy Reserve: the main function of tissue is energy reserve. Fat deposition is made in fat cells also called adipocytes;
- Thermal Insulator: helps to regulate body temperature, protecting against cold;
- Fill: is found around organs and filling spaces, so that it holds structures in place.
- Impact protection: prevents trauma, protecting internal organs.
Read more:
- Connective tissue
- Human Body Tissues
- What are Lipids: Functions and Types
- Fatty acids
Features
The adipose connective tissue is composed of extracellular matrix and fat cells, the adipocytes.
The matrix is composed of very thin reticular fibers (type III collagen), which form networks and are not easily observed under a microscope. This intercellular substance involves the numerous adipocytes present.
You adipocytes they are cells that accumulate fat inside. They have blood vessels, especially capillaries.
The lipids found there are especially triglycerides (glycerol molecules attached to fatty acid chains). They form drops suspended in the cytoplasm and without a membrane around it.
