Sunday, December 10, 2006

Adipose tissue

Adipose tissue
A type of connective tissue that is specialized for the storage of neutral fats (lipids). Adipose cells have names reflecting their gross physical appearance: white fat, which can be yellowish if the animal's diet is rich in carotenoids, and brown fat, containing vascularization and respiratory pigments
White fat is the more common type of adipose cell. These cells are found in a wide variety of locations in the mammalian body, and their function varies from location to location. For example, they may act to store food reserves and to provide thermal and physical insulation. The number of white adipose cells and the amount of fat in a cell are regulated by various factors, including genetics, hormones, diet, innervation, and physical activity. Many animals, especially migratory and hibernating mammals, greatly increase their fat reserves in preparation for travel or for hibernation.
Brown adipose tissue is mainly found in subscapular, interscapular, and mediastinal areas. Brown adipose cells are associated with thermogenesis (heat production), mainly in hibernating and newborn mammals.

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