Question

Describe the structure and function of adipose tissue.

Answer 1

 In animals, adipose, or fatty tissue is the body's means of storing metabolic energy over extended periods of time. Depending on current physiological conditions, adipocytes store fat derived from the diet and liver metabolism or degrade stored fat to supply fatty acids and glycerol to the circulation. These metabolic activities are regulated by several hormones (i.e., insulin, glucagon and epinephrine). The location of the tissue determines its metabolic profile: "Visceral fat" is located within the abdominal wall (i.e., beneath the wall of abdominal muscle) whereas "subcutaneous fat" is located beneath the skin (and includes fat that is located in the abdominal area beneath the skin but above the abdominal muscle wall). Visceral fat was recently discovered to be a significant producer of signaling chemicals (ie, hormones), among which are several which are involved in inflammatory tissue responses. One of these is resistin which has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes. This latter result is currently controversial, and there have been reputable studies supporting all sides on the issue. 

Adipose Tissue is a loose fibrous connective tissue packed with many cells (called "adipocytes") that are specialized for storage of triglycerides more commonly referred to as "fats".

Answer 2

function:~Adipose tissue acts as an insulating layer, helping to reduce heat loss through theskin.It also has a protective function, providing mechanical protection ("padding") andsupport around some of the major organs, e.g. kidneys.Adipose tissue is also a means of energy storage. 
Food that is excess to requirements is converted into fat and stored within adipose tissue in the body.
structure: ~ Tissue is a loose fibrous connective tissue packed with many cells (called "adipocytes") that are specialized for storage of triglycerides more commonly referred to as "fats". Each adipocyte cell is filled with a single large droplet of triglyceride (fat). As this occupies most of the volume of the cell, itscytoplasm, nucleus, and other components are pushed towards the edges of the cell - which is bounded by the plasma membrane(also known as the "cell membrane").