Adipose tissue: Structure, function and metabolism

Adipose tissue is the body's main depot for energy storage and mobilization serving further relevant regulatory functions. Adipose tissue is richly innervated and vascularized, secretes key signaling molecules that have an impact on multiple target organs, and expresses a wide range of receptors, which make it responsive to numerous metabolic, endocrine, and immunological cues. Finally, adipose tissue mass and its distribution within the body are important determinants of the cardio-metabolic risk. Attracting particular attention is the recognition that obesity is associated with chronic, systemic low-grade inflammation, which mediates some of the obesity-related morbidity.