Adipose
In zootomy, adipose tissue is a loose connective tissue which contains adipocytes, so as to provide cushioning, insulation, and energy storage. Adipose tissue has an "intracellular matrix," rather than an extracellular one. Adipose tissue is primarily located beneath the skin; although, it is also found around internal organs.
The remainder of this article is an attempt to translate material from the Spanish-language article. The translation is by a non-biologist with decent (but mostly non-technical) Spanish. Please keep this warning note here until someone with a solid knowledge of biology reads this and either verifies or edits the content.
The cells composing adipose tissue are large and tightly packed. They are "built" by fibroblasts, celullar components of connective tissue that are abundant in fibrous tissue, and which accumulate and bring together tiny drops of fat within the cytoplasm. The protoplasm and the cell nucleus remain in a small area of the cell membrane: the rest is occupied by a large glob of fat.
Adipose tissue, which lacks fundamental structure, is walled into lobes by vascular tissue.
The fat of the adipose cells is in a semi-liquid state (varying in its degree of solidity), and is composed primarily of triglycerides. They accumulate primarily in the subcutaneous layer, the deepest level of the skin. The cells of this layer, adipocytes, specialize in forming and storing fat. This layer is called the adipose panniculus and provides insulation from heat and cold. It provides protective padding for the internal organs and functions as a reserve of nutrients.
|
