Adipocyte facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Adipocyte
[[Image: |250px|]]
Yellow adipose tissue in paraffin
Latin	adipocytus

Adipocytes, also called fat cells, are special cells in your body. They are the main part of something called adipose tissue, which is your body's fat. Their main job is to store energy as fat. Think of them like tiny storage units for your body's extra fuel.

There are two main kinds of fat tissue: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). These are also known as white fat and brown fat. Each type has its own kind of fat cells.

If these fat cells get too full, they can even make more cells to store extra fat. This helps your body manage its energy reserves.

Fat cells also help make important hormones, like estrogens. Also, fat cells produce a hormone called leptin. Leptin helps your brain know when you've eaten enough. It's like a signal that tells you you're full.

What Are Adipocytes?

Adipocytes are the main cells that make up your body's fat tissue. They are designed to store energy. When you eat more food than your body needs right away, the extra energy is turned into fat. This fat is then stored inside adipocytes. This stored fat can be used later when your body needs energy, like when you are exercising or haven't eaten for a while.

How Fat Cells Store Energy

Inside each adipocyte, there is a large droplet of fat. This droplet can grow or shrink depending on how much energy your body needs to store or use. When you gain weight, these fat droplets get bigger, and the cells can even multiply. When you lose weight, the fat droplets shrink.

Types of Fat Cells

Your body has two main types of fat cells, found in different kinds of fat tissue:

White Adipocytes

White adipocytes are the most common type of fat cell. They are found in white adipose tissue. Their main job is to store energy for the long term. They also help to insulate your body, keeping you warm. White fat is found all over your body, especially under your skin and around your organs.

Brown Adipocytes

Brown adipocytes are found in brown adipose tissue. These cells are special because they can create heat. Instead of just storing energy, brown fat cells can burn fat to produce warmth. This is especially important for babies and young children to stay warm. Adults also have some brown fat, often around the neck and shoulders.

Fat Cells and Hormones

Adipocytes are not just storage cells; they are also very active. They produce and release many important substances, including hormones.

Leptin Production

One key hormone made by fat cells is leptin. Leptin travels to your brain and helps control your appetite. When your fat cells have enough energy stored, they release more leptin. This signals to your brain that you are full and helps you stop eating. If your body doesn't have enough leptin, you might feel hungry more often.

Other Hormones

Adipocytes also play a role in making other hormones, like estrogens. These hormones are important for many body functions. This shows that fat cells are much more than just simple storage units; they are active parts of your body's complex systems.

Images for kids

• 

  Yellow adipose tissue in paraffin.

• 

  Proteolytic activation of SREBF-controlled lipid biosynthesis.

See also

In Spanish: Adipocito para niños