Location of adipose tissue in the body
Adipose tissue is a specialized connective tissue in the body that is the main store of energy in the form of triglyceride stores. Adipose tissue is generally found in mammals in two different forms, as white and brown adipose tissues. Depending on the species of mammal, the amount and location of the tissue varies. Most of the fatty tissues belong to the white category, which is found in various organs and in various parts of the body.
In humans, this tissue is found in multiple locations; it is found under the skin as subcutaneous fat, surrounding internal organs as visceral fat, within bones as bone marrow or yellow bone marrow, and also in the breast. The specific locations of these layers are called adipocyte stores. These deposits are a reservoir of adipose tissue that contains various types of cells; the largest percentage of cells are adipocytes that contain fat droplets. A few other cells, including fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells, are also part of this tissue along with various tiny blood vessels. Since the integument system includes skin that accumulates at the deepest level of the subcutaneous layer, fatty tissue forms under the skin and provides insulation for the body from heat and cold.
It acts as a protective padding around all the vital organs of the body. Although its main function is to store lipids, it also acts as the main source of energy by synthesizing lipids to meet the needs of the individual. Obese people are seen with more amount of adipose tissue in their body. Excessive tissues are seen hanging down from the abdomen and are also known as the panicle. Sometimes, to remove such fats, surgeries are needed. The abdomen has a layer of adipocytes known as visceral and intra-abdominal fat. Internal fat protects the stomach, liver, intestines, and kidneys by forming protective layers within the body. Mammary fat is also a type of white adipose tissue that helps in the formation of milk during pregnancy with the help of the hormone oxytocin and helps the mother to nourish the babies. In humans, excess fat accumulates in the abdomen, hip, and also in the thoracic regions.
In different mammals adipocytes are also found; in mice they are found within the abdominal layers and the cavity forming various deposits within the body. Even around the uterus and ovaries, it forms a layer of fat-filled mass that provides protection. Brown adipose tissues are densely packed mitochondria and are also found in various locations in mammals. As such tissues are good for vasuclarization, in hibernating animals they help regulate body temperature through thermogenesis without shivering.