Word parts
What it means
Tissue made of fat cells (adipocytes) that store energy as fat; "adipose" alone means fatty. It lies under the skin, where it insulates the body and pads it, and around the organs. It also releases hormones that affect appetite and how the body uses insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry . Too much fat around the waist is linked to insulin resistanceIN-suh-lin rih-ZIS-tunsA state in which the body's cells respond poorly to insulin, so more insulin is needed to move glucose into them.Full entry , heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
For the nurse
The amount of fat under the skin changes how a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection should be given, such as the needle length and angle.
At a glance
| Spanish | tejido adiposo |
|---|---|
| Also written | adipose tissues, adipose |
Related terms
BMI
Body mass index: a number worked out from a person's weight and height that sorts weight into categories.
insulin resistance
A state in which the body's cells respond poorly to insulin, so more insulin is needed to move glucose into them.
fatty acid
A building block of fats: a chain of carbon atoms that the body uses for energy and to build cells.