What are adipocytes?

adipocytes are fat cells found in the human body. They can also be called lipocytes. One type of fat cell, a white fat cell, is important because it serves as an energy supply. Brown fat cells can also store energy, but their more important function is their ability to generate heat. The amount of fat, also referred to as lipids stored in adipocytes, is firmly regulated by the human body.

There are two types of adipocytes in humans, although in adult amounts of white adipose tissue significantly exceeds brown fat tissue. White fat function for lipid storage for future energy consumption. In addition, it serves as part of the endocrine system and helps to create hormonal estrogen from precursor molecules. Although this function is important in the human body, it is assumed that the excess of estrogen found in obese individuals contributes to various diseases.

The microscopic appearance of white fat cells is unique, and it is easy to dissecho adipocytes from other types of cells. Are consideredEssed for unilocular, which means they have one large vacuolus filled with fat or storage compartment that occupies most of the cell. As a result of lipid accumulation, the core is pushed to the peripheral position. These cells usually have a yellow color.

brown fat cells have a different function than white fat cells. They have thermogenic abilities, which means they have the ability to generate body heat. Adults have only a small amount of brown fat surrounding the kidney and in the throat. On the other hand, up to a quarter of the weight of infants is made of brown fat, which is kept warm after leaving the womb.

The characteristics of brown fat cells, as seen under the microscope, differ from the properties of white fat cells. Brown adipocytes are multilocular and have numerous tiny tiny fats. The brown color of these cells is caused by the presence of many mitochondria, which are small structures used to generate energy. INThe brown fat cells are described as "foam" due to many small vacuoles present in the cells.

In adults, the main purpose of adipocytes is to store energy in the form of fat. The regulation of the use and storage of lipids in the human body is firmly regulated by hormones. If the body feels that a large amount of glucose is present in the bloodstream, the hormone called insulin stimulates fat cells to collect fatty acids from blood circulation and deposit them as lipids. On the other hand, if the body runs low on glucose, hormones can cause fat cells to release their content for use as energy.