Biology: White and Brown Adipose Tissue Comparison

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of brown adipose tissue?

To produce hormones that regulate metabolism

To store energy in the form of lipids

To generate heat through thermogenesis (correct)

To provide structural support to organs

Where are the nuclei located in adipocytes of white adipose tissue?

Randomly distributed

Peripherally

Eccentrically (correct)

Centrally

What is the characteristic feature of adipocytes in brown adipose tissue?

Single, large lipid droplet

Multiple small lipid droplets (correct)

Variable number of lipid droplets

No lipid droplets

What is the function of thermogenin in brown adipose tissue?

To uncouple mitochondrial enzymes from ATP synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Where are the superficial deposits of brown adipose tissue typically located?

Posterior triangle and intercapsular region Signup and view all the answers

What type of staining is used in the image?

HE staining Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of white adipocytes?

50-150 um in diameter Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of brown adipose tissue?

Heat production Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the nuclei of brown adipocytes?

They are round and centrally located Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of adipokines?

Regulation of appetite and satiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of a signet ring in white adipocytes?

Scant cytoplasm around the lipid droplet Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of brown fat in neonates?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of thermogenin in brown adipose tissue?

Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mitochondria in brown adipocytes?

Increased number for heat production Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connective tissue provides structural and metabolic support for other tissues and organs?

Connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of leptin, an adipokine?

Inhibits hunger Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connective tissue is characterized by the presence of fibroblasts?

Loose connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of adiponectin, an adipokine?

Prevents arteriosclerosis and insulin resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of chemerin, an adipokine?

Multifunctional adipokine with established roles in inflammation, adipogenesis and glucose homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of embryonic connective tissue?

It is a type of embryonic connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of connective tissue that is characterized by the presence of fat cells?

Adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpin), an adipokine?

Inhibitor of fibrinolysis, the physiological process that degrades blood clots Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Adipose Tissue Structure

White adipocytes: large (50-150 μm in diameter), lipid droplet with a scant ring of cytoplasm, nuclei are flattened and eccentric, contain few mitochondria
Brown adipocytes: smaller, contain multiple lipid droplets of varying size, nuclei are round and centrally located, increased number of mitochondria

Adipose Tissue Functions

White adipose tissue (WAT): synthesis, storage, and release of triglycerides, release of hormones/cytokines, protection (cold, mechanical, physical), forms body shape
Brown adipose tissue (BAT): heat production through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, particularly important in neonates, small mammals in cold environments, and hibernating animals

Adipokines

Biologically active molecules (hormones, cytokines, growth factors) secreted by adipose tissue
Regulate adipogenesis, adipocyte metabolism, immune cell migration, appetite and satiety control, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity
Examples of adipokines: leptin, adiponectin, resistin, chemerin, TNF, IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpin)

Connective Tissue

Provides structural and metabolic support for other tissues and organs
Types of connective tissue:
- Embryonic: mesenchymal, mucous (Wharton jelly)
- Connective tissue proper: loose, dense (irregular or regular)
- Specialized: reticular, cartilage, bone, adipose, bone marrow, fluid (blood and lymph)

Embryonic Connective Tissue

Mesenchymal tissue: embryonic connective tissue
Mucous connective tissue: found in fetuses, umbilical cord, matrix of the fetal umbilical cord

Loose Connective Tissue

Characteristics: loose arrangement of fibers, rich in cells, allows for flexibility and movement

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Description

This quiz compares the structure of white and brown adipose tissue, including the characteristics of adipocytes and their lipid droplets.