Adipose Tissue Overview

Study Notes

Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue is a loose connective tissue primarily composed of adipocytes.
It stores energy in the form of lipids and serves as cushioning and insulation for the body.
Adipose tissue is derived from preadipocytes.
Stromal vascular fraction of cells within adipose tissue:
- Preadiocytes
- Fibroblasts
- Vascular endothelial cells
- Immune cells such as adipose tissue macrophages
Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, producing hormones such as leptin, estrogen, resistin, and cytokines.

Types of Adipose Tissue

White Adipose Tissue (WAT): Stores energy.
Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT): Generates body heat.

Adipose Tissue Location

Beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat)
Around internal organs (visceral fat)
In bone marrow (yellow bone marrow)
Intermuscular (Muscular system)
In the breast (breast tissue)

Adipose Tissue Function

Subcutaneous layer: Provides insulation.
Around organs: Provides protective padding.
Reserve of lipids: Can be oxidized to meet energy needs.
Protects from excess glucose: Stores triglycerides produced from sugars by the liver.
Adipose depots in different parts of the body have different biochemical profiles.
Provides feedback for hunger and diet to the brain.

Staining Techniques

H & E Stain: A common staining technique used for histological analysis.
Osmic Black Stain: Specifically stains lipids black, making them easier to visualize.

Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue is a type of loose connective tissue primarily composed of adipocytes, which are fat-storing cells.
It also contains a stromal vascular fraction including preadipocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and immune cells like adipose tissue macrophages.
Adipose tissue develops from preadipocytes.
Its primary function is energy storage in the form of lipids.
Additionally, it acts as a cushion and insulator for the body.
Beyond its structural role, adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ, secreting hormones like leptin, estrogen, resistin, and cytokines.
White adipose tissue (WAT) serves as the primary energy storage depot.
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) generates body heat.
Adipose tissue formation is influenced by the adipose gene.
In humans, adipose tissue is found in various locations including:
- Subcutaneous fat (beneath the skin)
- Visceral fat (around internal organs)
- Yellow bone marrow (in bone marrow)
- Intermuscular fat (within muscles)
- Breast tissue
In the integumentary system, adipose tissue accumulates in the subcutaneous layer providing thermal insulation.
Around organs, it offers protective padding.
Adipose tissue serves as a lipid reserve, which can be oxidized to meet energy demands.
It protects the body from excess glucose by storing triglycerides produced by the liver, although some evidence suggests that most lipid synthesis from carbohydrates occurs within adipose tissue itself.
Adipose depots in different body regions have distinct biochemical profiles.
Under normal conditions, adipose tissue provides feedback to the brain regarding hunger and diet.
H & E staining is a technique used for visualizing adipose tissue.
Osmic Black staining is another technique used for visualizing adipose tissue.