CONNECTIVE TISSUE PROPER LOOSE adipose:
• This tissue is basically an aerolar connective tissue invaded by fat cells (adipocytes). Seen through the light microscope, the adipocytes look like big white blobs: an oil droplet occupies most of the cell volume, pushing the cell's nucleus to the periphery. The adipocytes are packed closely together and account for about 90% of the tissue mass.
• Adipose tissue provides reserve fuel for cells in the body. Since fat is a poor heat conductor it insulates the body against heat loss. It also supports and protects organs by acting as shock absorber.
• Adipose tissue may develop almost anywhere areolar tissue is plentiful, but it usually accumulates in subcutaneous tissue, around kidneys and eyeballs, in bones, in breasts and within the abdomen.
• Adipose tissue is richly vascularized, indicating its high metabolic activity.