What Is The Purpose Of Fat Cells?

Fat tissue, also known as adipose tissue, is an essential part of the body's vital systems. Its main purpose is to function as the primary reserves of energy for the body to draw upon, especially over extended time periods, as noted by the "Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science." Fat cells also have several other uses, including insulation, protection, regulation of bodily functions, and body contouring.

Location

Humans can have anywhere between 50 to 200 billion fat cells, depending on individual genetics and over-all health level. The greatest proportion of fat cells is found directly under the skin, also called subcutaneous fat, according to IvyRose Holistic. In general, women tend to store fat cells in the thighs and lower torso, while men store usually have their fat stores in their upper body.

Types of Fat Cells

There are two types of body fat: white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue, according to Physiological Reviews. White adipose tissue is found in skeletal muscle and lymph nodes. It stores energy in the form of triglycerides. Subcutaneous adipose tissue falls under this type of fat as well.

Brown adipose tissue contains large amounts of blood vessels. This type of fat is located near vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. During instances of cold stress, brown adipose tissue supplies blood to these organs. In infants, brown fat tissue is 5 percent of total body mass. This percentage declines as people age and reaches negligible proportions by adulthood.

Energy Storage

One of the most important functions of fat cells is to store the energy from digested food in the form of fat molecules. These serve as long-term energy stores that the body keeps in reserve, as opposed to carbohydrates, which are broken down almost immediately. When the body needs additional energy, it breaks down fat molecules into molecules that the body can use for energy.

Body Function Regulation

When the body is at risk of infection, fat cells help to control the immune system, as noted by the Washington Post. They also function as regulators for the amount of energy consumed during physical activity. If the body needs more energy, it signals the fat cells to convert more of their molecule into fatty acids to use as a power source. In addition to this, fat cells produce a hormone called andiponectin that helps prevent heart disease and regulates blood sugar. However, this is produced only when fat cells are small. This is partly why obese individuals run a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Insulation

Fat cells are vital for regulating and maintaining body temperature. Since fat cells are found almost all over the body, especially under the skin, they serve as an excellent insulator, conducting about two-thirds less heat than other types of tissue. In particular, brown fat tissue is known to keep newborn children warm by producing heat. Brown fat is also found in adults, but in much smaller quantities when compared to white fat tissue.