Adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is connective tissue composed mainly of adipocytes, which store energy as fat. It also insulates the body, cushions organs, and secretes signaling molecules.

Adipocyte: A specialized cell that stores energy mainly as triglycerides and releases fatty acids when needed. These cells make up most adipose tissue and determine its storage capacity.
Lipogenesis: The synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides from metabolic precursors. It converts surplus nutrients into the lipid reserves adipocytes store.
Obesity: A chronic disease characterized by excess body fat that can impair health. Adipose tissue expansion and dysfunction are central to many forms of obesity.
White adipose tissue: Adipose tissue specialized mainly for storing energy in large lipid droplets. It is the predominant energy-storage form of adipose tissue in adults.
Triglyceride: A lipid molecule consisting of glycerol bonded to three fatty acids. Adipocytes store most of their energy reserves in this compact molecular form.
Lipolysis: The breakdown of stored triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. It mobilizes adipose energy reserves for use by other tissues.
Lipodystrophy: A group of disorders marked by loss or abnormal distribution of body fat. Too little functional adipose tissue can cause severe metabolic complications.
Brown adipose tissue: Adipose tissue rich in mitochondria that produces heat by burning fuels. It contrasts with white fat's primary role in long-term energy storage.
Extracellular matrix: The network of proteins and other molecules surrounding cells in tissues. Its structure helps organize adipocytes, blood vessels, and immune cells within fat depots.
Leptin: A hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes that signals energy reserves to the brain. Its circulating levels link fat stores to appetite and energy regulation.

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