Body fat

Distribution of white adipose (body fat) in the human body

In histology, adipose tissue or body fat or just fat is a tissue made up of cells called adipocytes. They store nutrients called fats in fat cells. Adipose tissue produce different compounds which are called adipokines. They include leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta and others.

Body Fat Media

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  Distribution of white adipose in the human body

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  The obese mouse on the left has large stores of adipose tissue. It is unable to produce the hormone leptin. This causes the mouse to be hungry and eat more, which results in obesity. For comparison, a mouse with a normal amount of adipose tissue is shown on the right.

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  Micro-anatomy of subcutaneous fat

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  Brown fat cell rich in mitochondria and having lipid droplets scattered throughout.