Subcutaneous fat is located immediately after the layer of the dermis - one's own skin. This tissue in the upper sections is permeated with collagen fibers. They form an extensive network in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, which consists of wide loops. These formations are usually filled with fatty tissue.
What is subcutaneous fat?
Under the layer of skin, fatty tissue creates something like a soft lining that provides not only cushioning, but also thermal insulation. In addition, the fabric performs other equally important functions. However, some of them can be harmful.
It has long been established that subcutaneous fat is formed by a certain type of connective tissue. This is its main feature. It is known that fat in the human body can contain a huge amount. This figure sometimes reaches tens of kilograms.
How much body fat?
It is worth noting that subcutaneous fat is unevenly distributed throughout the human body. In women, it is usually located in the buttocks and thighs, as well as in a smaller amount in the chest area. Men have fataccumulates elsewhere. This should include the area of the abdomen and chest. At the same time, it was found that in relation to body weight, the weight of fatty tissue is: in women - 25%, and in men - 15%.
The greatest thickness of the tissue is observed in the abdomen, hips and chest. This figure in these places can reach more than 5 centimeters. The thinnest subcutaneous fat is 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 adipose tissue. It is for this function that this fabric is needed.
During the fasting period, the body must receive energy. Where to 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
Fabric containing fat does not transmit heat very well, which comes from the human body. This is very important for the body. Subcutaneous fat in this case performs a heat-insulating function. Such capabilities of our body are relevant when the temperature drops.
However, experts have found that such functions of subcutaneous fat can also have a negative impact. Large amount of fatcan spoil not only the appearance, but also cause the development of such diseases as deforming osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis.
Protective function of subcutaneous fat
Subcutaneous fat is developed in every he althy person. This tissue is very important for our body. After all, it performs many functions, including protective. Fat is located not only under the layer of the dermis, but also envelops the internal organs. In this case, it protects them from concussions and softens blows, and also protects them from exposure to sufficiently high temperatures. The thicker the layer of adipose tissue, the more energy it will take from a hot object for itself.
In addition, adipose tissue provides the mobility of the skin. This allows you to compress them or stretch them. This ability protects fabrics from tearing and other damage.
Accumulation
This is another function that subcutaneous fat performs. However, in some cases, this tissue ability can harm the body. It accumulates not only fat, but also those substances that are easily dissolved in it, for example, estrogenic hormones, as well as vitamins of groups E, D and A. On the one hand, this is not bad. However, in men with a sufficiently large layer of subcutaneous fat, the production of their own testosterone is significantly reduced. But this hormone is important for their he alth.
Hormone-producing function
Scientists have proven that subcutaneous fat is capable ofnot only accumulate estrogens in oneself, but also independently produce them. The greater the 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. Which, in turn, leads to the emergence of such a condition, which is characterized by a decrease in the production of sex hormones, since the work of the gonads is significantly deteriorating.
In addition, in the cells of adipose tissue there is aromatase - a special enzyme that is involved 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 also able to produce leptin. This substance is a unique hormone responsible for the feeling of satiety. With the help of leptin, the body is able to regulate the amount of fat located under the skin.
Types and structure of adipose 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 examine a piece of subcutaneous fat under a microscope, then without much difficulty you can see the lobules, clearly separated from each other. Between them there are jumpers. This is connective tissue.
In addition, you can see nerve fibers and, of course, blood vessels. The main structural component of adipose tissue is the adipocyte. This isa 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, proteins and water are present in the cell. Adipocytes (fat cells) also contain lipids. The amount of proteins from the total cell mass is approximately 3 to 6%, and 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.
