Module 3.

3
Adipose Tissue

Overview:

Adipose tissue is a special type of connective tissue dominated by fat cells

(adipocytes) and plays an important role in thermoregulation (insulation) and energy
metabolism. As it comprises about 20-25% of total body weight in healthy individuals,
the main function of adipose tissue is to store energy in the form of lipids (fat). Recently,
it is considered as one of the largest endocrine glands in the body as well as an active
tissue for cellular reactions and metabolic homeostasis rather than an inert tissue for
energy storage. The functional pleiotropism of AT relies on its ability to synthesize and
release a large number of hormones, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and growth
and vasoactive factors, collectively termed adipokines, that influence a variety of
physiological and pathophysiological processes. AT dysfunctionality is clearly
associated to the onset of important pathologies including obesity, type 2 diabetes,
dyslipidemia or nonalcoholic fatty liver.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Describe the form and origin of adipose tissues

2. Discuss the functions of adipose tissues
3. Classify the two types of adipose tissue in terms of morphology.

Adipose tissue is composed of a homogenous cell population. Individual

adipocytes or fat cells occur as single cells, group of cells or extensive masses of cells.
Although it has blood vessels, nerves and elements of loose connective tissues, its
dominant features is adipocytes.

 Adipose tissue may exist in association with all loose collagenous tissue,
predeliction sites which may form an extensive subcutaneous sheet -the
penniculus adiposus. Extensive quantities of this tissue often occur in
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association with the visceral, parietal, and connecting mesotheilal membrane

of the celomic cavities. This occur in areas devoid of other tissue components
– the axillay and the inguinal region.
 Most organs come some adipose tissue, even the popular prime cut of beef
are mixture of skeletal muscle, connective tisssue and adipose tissue
( marbling).
 This tissue is a readily available source of energy. The stored fats of the
adipose tissue contain more energy per gram than the corresponding
quantites of proteins or sugars. (Fats supply 9 calories per gram,
carbohydrates and proteins each 4 calories per gram).
 This is an important contributor to thermoregulation, its somatic distribution
aids in heat conservation. This is also an important mechanical insulator
through its distribution with the visceral organs and greater omentum. The rich
deposite of adipose tissue within the digital digital cushion of the equine foot
is a device for absorbing concussive forces.
 The adipose tissue of the synovial membranes absorbs shock and stabilizes
joints.
 There are two types of adipose tissues:
a. White adipose tissue
b. Brown adipse tissue

White adipose tissue is also called as white fat, unilocular fat and ordinary
adipose fat.

White Adipose tissue Brown Adipose tissue

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 Its cells are very large, they are spherical and may appear polyhedral.
Unilocular fat cells, the predominant cells of this tissue have a signet-ring
appearance.

 The bulk of the cytoplasm is occupied by the lipids is all that remains, the lipid
solvents used in the process dissolve the fats
 The lipids of these fats cells are triglycerides and certain fatty acids, which are
mobilized through enzymatic hydrolysis by lipases. Free fatty acids then enter
the blood as an available source of energy.

Brown adipose tissue

 This tissue has multilocular fat cells. The predominant feature of these cells is
the presence of many small fat droplets within the cytoplasm. The round
nucleus is not displaced to one side of the cell but may assume many
position.
 The brown color of this tissue results from many mitochondria and high
quantities of the cytochrome oxidase system. Brown fat cells contain more
mitochondria, and the tissue is better vascularized and innervated than white
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fat cells. The lobular characteristics impart a glandular appearance to the

tissue.
 Metabolism of the stored lipids releases heat, warms the bloods and raises
the body temperature.
 Brown adipose tissue has limited but specific distribution.
 It develops during the prenatal period and is confined generally to the axilla,
interscapular region, mediastinum, mesenteries, and perirenal renal region.
The tissue may help young animals to resist postnatal extremes cold
temperature.
 Hibernating rodents, have brown adipose tissue deposits in specific regions.
These depots help with maintain body temperature during hibernation.
Assessment Task 3.3.1

1. Draw and label types of adipocytes showing the distinct characteristic

of each.
2. Discuss the functions of adipose tissues.
3. Watch videos on adipose tissues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=6aC3Hk8TzAg
4. Read: Adipose Tissue Remodeling: Its Role in Energy Metabolism and
Metabolic Disorders
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2016.00030/full