The term adipose tissue is commonly associated with obesity, which among women and men who take care of their body and their bodily appearance raises concern about knowing the function it plays in the body and whether it is good or bad to have it, as well as understanding in which parts of the body. The body must be without affecting the physical and aesthetic appearance of people.
Excess adipose tissue is associated with metabolic disorders or endocrine diseases that alter the body’s normal functioning in people who suffer from them. However, it is essential to know what functions it performs in the body and the advantages of having it on certain occasions. There are two types of adipose tissue: white and brown, each with different functions and locations. This FastlyHealarticle will explain everything about white adipose tissue: function, characteristics, and location.
Table of Contents
What is fatty tissue?
Adipose tissue is commonly known as body fat, this tissue is made up of round and fixed cells that contain fat inside called adipocytes, which serve to store energy in the form of fat. The development of adipose tissue is continuous throughout life.
This tissue is one of the most abundant at the body level, which gives rise to the fatty pad of the skin and the interior of the bones. It should be taken into account that both the lack and excess of adipose tissue puts people’s health at risk and, in many cases, increases the risk of serious diseases.
Difference between brown adipose tissue and white adipose tissue
Two types of adipose tissue are known to exist:
- White adipose tissue is characterized by containing adipocytes with a single drop of lipid inside. This tissue is involved in the secretion of substances that act in many metabolic processes, regulating different systems at the endocrine and metabolic levels.
- Brown adipose tissue: it is a multilocular tissue. It has many cytoplasms of small cells with a rounded and eccentric nucleus with abundant mitochondria. It has very little distribution in adults, but it can be seen in newborns at the interscapular and cervical levels. It has a thermal function.
Both tissues differ in their color, functions, morphology, and genetics.
Location of white adipose tissue
Fatty tissue usually has a preference for subcutaneous tissue. Its distribution depends on several factors; sex is one of them. In women, the location of fat is towards the periphery. In men, it is central, specifically at the abdominal level.
In addition to its location according to sex, white adipose tissue is also located in different parts of the body, such as between the viscera (intestines, kidneys, liver, muscle, etc.) and specifically under the skin. The adipose tissue’s location at the viscera level can lead to various diseases, including metabolic syndrome.
People are more concerned about the fatty tissue at the subcutaneous level than the viscera because the former affects their appearance and modifies their bodies.
White adipose tissue: functions and characteristics
The adipose tissue fulfills different functions to benefit the health of the organism. Within them, we can mention:
- At the adipocyte level, it allows energy storage in the form of triglycerides. When needed, this fat that is stored inside the adipocytes is used.
- It acts as a support fabric, support at a structural level.
- It behaves as an insulator from both cold and heat, helping maintain body temperature.
- It behaves like a storehouse of nutritional reserves.
- It was secreting molecules responsible for regulating functions such as hormones that regulate appetite.
- It secretes insulin sensitivity hormones, such as inflammatory cytokines and adiponectin.
- In the subcutaneous areas, it acts as a filler tissue.
It is essential to bear in mind that white fat is necessary. On many occasions, excess fat can be observed with the naked eye, which can affect the body, causing obesity or overweight and putting the entire body at risk with the appearance of metabolic diseases that alter people’s health.
Factors that help avoid altering the proper distribution of white adipose tissue must be taken into account, including good eating habits, playing sports, controlling metabolic diseases, and stress.
If you have metabolic alterations, are overweight, or suffer from obesity, do not hesitate to consult with your trusted doctor. He will indicate the necessary tests to know how your metabolism is and make the required corrections to restore your state of health.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to White adipose tissue: function, characteristics, and location, we recommend that you enter our Endocrine system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.