Article
Article
Adipose tissue
Article By:
Georgi, Todd A. Department of Biology, Doane College, Crete, Nebraska.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.011300
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- Adipose tissue, published June 2014:Download PDF
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A type of connective tissue, especially in mammals, that is specialized for the storage of neutral fats (lipids). Adipose cells originate mainly from fibroblasts (connective tissue cells found in virtually all animal organs). In the mammalian embryo, development of adipose cells starts at an early stage. The two types of adipose cells have names reflecting their gross physical appearance: (1) white fat (Fig. 1), which can be yellowish if the animal's diet is rich in carotenoids (as found in carrots and tomatoes); and (2) brown fat, containing vascularization and respiratory pigments. See also: Carotenoids; Connective tissue; Fat and oil; Lipid; Lipid metabolism; Mammalia
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