Define and discuss the role of adipocytes in the body in relation to their storage capacities and metabolic activity

Answer 1

The adipocyte is a large, rounded cell primarily filled with a droplet of triglyceride. The adipocyte is metabolically active in the uptake, synthesis, storage, and mobilization of triglycerides. There is a constant turnover of triglycerides in the adipocyte as new triglycerides are synthesized and stored and older triglycerides are hydrolyzed and released from the adipocyte into the circulation. Research has shown the adipocyte to be a metabolically active endocrine cell releasing numerous hormones involved in regulating appetite, energy balance, body fat content, and reproduction. In addition, adipocytes release numerous molecules that influence blood pressure, blood coagulation, insulin sensitivity, lipid oxidation, and serum lipid levels.