Fat

• Fat Cells– storage of fats (adipocytes)
• Structure of Fat Cells: Fat cells, or adipocytes, have a structure that includes a large droplet of lipid (triglyceride) surrounded by cytoplasm and a cell membrane.

  
• Function of Fat Cells: Fat cells primarily store energy in the form of fat, which the body uses during periods of fasting or low food intake. They also regulate metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.

  
• Types of Fat Cells:

  • White Adipose Tissue (WAT): Responsible for energy storage.
  • Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT): Involved in heat generation and energy expenditure.

  
• KEYNOTES

  Regulation of Fat Cells: The size and number of fat cells in the body are regulated by hormones, genetic factors, and environmental factors like diet and exercise. Excessive fat cell accumulation can lead to obesity and increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• KEYNOTES

  Lipolysis: Fat cells can release stored fat through it, a process triggered by hormones like glucagon and epinephrine. The released fat is then used by the body for energy.
• Disorders Affecting Fat Cells: Various disorders include:

  • Obesity: Excessive accumulation of fat cells.
  • Lipodystrophy: Condition involving loss or dysfunction of fat cells.
  • Fat Cell Cancers: Certain cancers, like liposarcoma, originate in fat cells.