Fat Cells (Adipocytes)

Fat Cells (Adipocytes)

Fat cells, scientifically called adipocytes, are specialized cells whose primary job is to store energy in the form of fat (triglycerides).

Two types

1. White fat cells: Store energy and provide insulation/cushioning
2. Brown fat cells: Burn energy to produce heat (more common in babies)

Functions

• Energy storage: Store excess calories as triglycerides
• Energy release: Break down triglycerides into fatty acids when body needs fuel
• Hormone production: Secrete hormones like leptin (controls hunger) and adiponectin (regulates metabolism)
• Insulation: Keep body warm
• Cushioning: Protect organs from physical shock

Interesting facts

• Fat cells can expand up to 50-100 times their original size
• Number of fat cells is mostly set by adulthood - weight gain usually means existing cells get bigger, not more numerous
• Fat cells rarely die - when you lose weight, they shrink but don't disappear
• Located under skin (subcutaneous fat) and around organs (visceral fat)

Fat cells are essentially your body's energy bank accounts - depositing and withdrawing fuel as needed!

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Backlinks

• Triglycerides (Raw Fat)