white adipose tissue
Energy storage cells
White adipose tissue is the body's primary fat storage, composed of cells that each contain a single large lipid droplet.
It accumulates under the skin and around organs, storing energy and providing insulation.
Unlike brown adipose tissue, which burns calories to generate heat, white adipose tissue conserves energy for later use.
Excess white adipose tissue is associated with obesity and metabolic disease.
Three-chained fat molecules
- adipocytesLipid-storing cells
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
- glycerolTrihydric alcohol, viscous, sweet
- lipogenesisMetabolic fat production process
energy reserve · depot · fuel reserve · energy balance · mobilization · lipolysis · fat stores · body fat percentage
Metabolic fat decomposition
- lipogenesisMetabolic fat production process
- insulin sensitivityCells' glucose uptake ability
- metabolic rateBody's energy consumption pace
- energy expenditurePower used by activity
beta-oxidation · catecholamines · glucocorticoids · thyroid hormones · mitochondria
Excess body fat condition
- visceral fatFat stored around organs
- metabolic syndromeClustered cardiovascular risk factors
- insulin resistanceReduced cellular hormone sensitivity
- type 2 diabetesChronic insulin resistance condition
inflammation · hypertrophy · hyperplasia · fibrosis · hypoxia · chronic inflammation · cardiovascular risk
Fat-derived hunger regulator
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- interleukinsImmune cell signaling proteins
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
Maintaining stable internal heat
- subcutaneous fatLipid layer beneath skin
- body heatThermal energy from metabolism
- thermal barrierSubstance blocking temperature transfer
- heat retentionAbility to stay warm
blubber · warmth · temperature regulation · homeostasis · thermal regulation · fatty layer
Material for cushioning
- protectionGuarding against harm
- shock absorptionDissipating kinetic energy gradually
- subcutaneousBelow the skin
- bufferProtective intermediate space
triglycerides
Three-chained fat molecules
- adipocytesLipid-storing cells
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
- glycerolTrihydric alcohol, viscous, sweet
energy reserve · lipogenesis · depot · fuel reserve · energy balance · mobilization · lipolysis · fat stores · body fat percentage
lipolysis
Metabolic fat decomposition
- lipogenesisMetabolic fat production process
- insulin sensitivityCells' glucose uptake ability
- metabolic rateBody's energy consumption pace
energy expenditure · beta-oxidation · catecholamines · glucocorticoids · thyroid hormones · mitochondria
obesity
Excess body fat condition
- visceral fatFat stored around organs
- metabolic syndromeClustered cardiovascular risk factors
- insulin resistanceReduced cellular hormone sensitivity
type 2 diabetes · inflammation · hypertrophy · hyperplasia · fibrosis · hypoxia · chronic inflammation · cardiovascular risk
leptin
Fat-derived hunger regulator
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- interleukinsImmune cell signaling proteins
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
thermoregulation
Maintaining stable internal heat
- subcutaneous fatLipid layer beneath skin
- body heatThermal energy from metabolism
- thermal barrierSubstance blocking temperature transfer
heat retention · blubber · warmth · temperature regulation · homeostasis · thermal regulation · fatty layer
padding
Material for cushioning
- protectionGuarding against harm
- shock absorptionDissipating kinetic energy gradually
- subcutaneousBelow the skin
white adipose tissuelean mass
Non-fat body tissue
muscle tissue · skeletal muscle · lean body mass · bone tissue · connective tissue
white, tissue, whiten, tissues, whites, whiter, whiteness, whitened, whitest