Subcutaneous fatty tissue: structure and function

Subcutaneous fat is located immediately after the dermis layer - its own skin. This tissue in the upper regions is permeated with collagen fibers. They form in the subcutaneous adipose tissue extensive network, which consists of wide loops. These formations, as a rule, are filled with fatty tissue.

What is a subcutaneous fatty tissue?

Under the layer of skin fatty tissue creates something like a soft lining, which provides not only cushioning, but also thermal insulation. In addition, the fabric performs other, equally important functions. However, some of them can also do harm.

It has long been established that subcutaneous fatty tissue is formed by a specific type of connective tissue. This is its main feature. It is known that fat in the human body can contain a huge amount. This indicator sometimes reaches tens of kilograms.

How much body fat?

It is worth noting that the subcutaneous fat is distributed unequally throughout the human body. In women, it is usually located in the buttocks and hips, as well as in a smaller number in the chest region. In men, fat accumulates elsewhere. This should include the area of the stomach and chest. It was found that, with respect to the body weight, the weight of fatty tissue is: for women - 25%, and for men - 15%.

The greatest thickness of the tissue is noted in the abdomen, hips and chest. This figure in these places can reach more than 5 centimeters. The subtlest is subcutaneous fatty tissue in the genital area and eyelids.

Energy function

What are the functions of subcutaneous fat known? First of all, it is worth noting the energy. This is one of the main purposes of fat. It is for this function that this tissue is necessary.

In the period of fasting, the body must receive energy. Where can I get it if there is no food? Fat is an energy-intensive substrate. It is able to give the body energy for normal functioning. It is worth noting that 1 gram of subcutaneous fat can give a person 9 kcal. This amount of energy is enough to overcome several tens of meters at a fairly fast pace.

Heat insulation

A tissue containing fat, very poorly passes the heat that comes from the human body. This is very important for the body. Subcutaneous fat in this case performs a heat-insulating function. Such possibilities of our organism are actual at lowering of temperature.

However, specialists have established that similar functions of subcutaneous fat can also have a negative effect. A large amount of fat can spoil not only the appearance, but also cause the development of diseases such as deforming osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis.

The protective function of subcutaneous fat

Subcutaneous fat is developed in every healthy person. This tissue is very important for our body. After all, it performs many functions, among them protective. Fat is located not only under the layer of the dermis, but also envelops internal organs. In this case, it protects them from shocks and softens shocks, and also protects from exposure to sufficiently high temperatures. The thicker the layer of adipose tissue, the more energy it takes from the heated object itself.

In addition, fatty tissue provides mobility of the skin. This allows you to compress them or stretch them. This ability protects tissues from ruptures and other damages.

Accumulation

This is another function performed by subcutaneous fat. However, in some cases, this ability of the tissue can harm the body. It accumulates not only fat, but also those substances that easily dissolve in it, for example, estrogenic hormones, as well as vitamins of groups E, D and A. On the one hand, it's not bad. However, in men who have a sufficiently large layer of subcutaneous fat, the production of their own testosterone is significantly reduced. But this hormone is important for their health.

Hormone-producing function

Scientists have proved that subcutaneous fat can not only accumulate estrogens in itself, but also produce them independently. The more thickness of this tissue, the more hormones it synthesizes. As a result, a vicious circle is created. Men are at risk. After all, estrogens can suppress the production of androgens. That, in turn, leads to the appearance of such a state, which is characterized by a decrease in the production of sex hormones, since the work of the sex glands worsens significantly.

In addition, in fat cells there is aromatase - a special enzyme that participates in the processes of synthesizing estrogens. The most active tissue in this regard is located in the buttocks and thighs. It is worth noting that subcutaneous fat is able to produce leptin as well. This substance is a unique hormone responsible for the feeling of saturation. With the help of leptin, the body is able to regulate the amount of fat located under the skin.

Species and structure of fatty tissue

The structure of subcutaneous fat is unique. In the human body, there are two types of this tissue: brown and white. The latter variety is found in large quantities. If you consider a piece of subcutaneous fat under a microscope, then you can easily see lobules, clearly separated from each other. Between them there are jumpers. It's a connective tissue.

In addition, you can see nerve fibers and, of course, blood vessels. The main structural component of fatty tissue is the adipocyte. This is a cell that has a slightly concave or rounded shape. In diameter, it can reach 50-200 microns. In the cytoplasm, it contains accumulations of lipids. In addition to these substances, the cell contains proteins and water. Adipocytes (fat cells) also contain lipids. The amount of proteins from the total weight of the cell is about 3 to 6%, and of water - no more than 30%. Among other things, the hypodermis contains a large number of lymphatic vessels.

Subcutaneous fat is an important component of the human body, performing a lot of useful and necessary functions.