zsírsejtek

Zsírsejtek, also known as adipocytes, are the primary cells of adipose tissue, commonly referred to as body fat. Their main function is to store energy in the form of lipids, or fat. These cells originate from mesenchymal stem cells and are found throughout the body, playing crucial roles in insulation, protection of organs, and the production of hormones.

Adipocytes are characterized by a large lipid droplet that can occupy up to 95% of the cell's volume, pushing the nucleus and cytoplasm to the periphery. There are two main types of adipose tissue: white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. White adipocytes are the most abundant type and are primarily responsible for energy storage. Brown adipocytes, found in smaller quantities, are specialized for thermogenesis, the process of generating heat.

The regulation of fat storage and release within adipocytes is a complex process influenced by hormones like insulin, leptin, and cortisol. Insulin promotes glucose uptake and its conversion to fat, while leptin signals satiety and influences energy expenditure. When the body requires energy, hormones such as glucagon and epinephrine stimulate the breakdown of stored fat in adipocytes, releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream to be used as fuel. Dysregulation of adipocyte function can contribute to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.