Definition: Adipose tissue in humans, mammals, birds and fish can be classified as a type of adipocyte (the name given to mature fat cells) or as a type of fat cell (the type found in muscles, adipose tissue and skin). Adipocytes are also called fat cells; they make up the majority of the cells that make up fat tissue. Fat tissue includes adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, the skin and hair. Fat tissue is not just stored fat, but it contains fat cells as well. It stores fat in the form of triglycerides, which is a type of fatty acid (a molecule containing carbon atoms). When a person eats fats, the fat molecules are broken down by the body into their constituent elements - carbon and hydrogen - for use in energy production or storage. Fat cells then store these components for future use. Fat cells may be either monolayer cells or multilayer cells. Monolayer cells are more complex than multilayer cells; they contain two types of fat molecules (triglycerides) but have only one cell wall layer. Monolayer cells also contain other cells, such as fibroblasts and adipocytes. The name "adipose tissue" refers to the type of tissues that store fat in humans, mammals, birds and fish. However, the term is often used to refer to both types of fat cells - those found in the fat tissue (like monolayer cells) and those stored within fatty tissues (such as adipose tissue). Fat tissue is also known as adipocyte or adipose tissue, depending on its location. In summary: - Adipose tissue stores fat; - Adipocytes are type of fat cell that make up the majority of the cells that make up fat tissue; - Fat tissue contains both monolayer and multilayer fat cells.

adiposis