Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Adipose tissue primarily serves what function in the body?

1. Muscle contraction

2. Energy storage

3. Bone formation

4. Nerve conduction

The correct answer is: Energy storage

Adipose tissue primarily serves the function of energy storage in the body. It is composed of adipocytes, which are specialized cells that store fat in the form of triglycerides. When the body has an excess of energy from food intake, adipose tissue allows for the storage of this excess energy, which can be mobilized and utilized when energy intake is insufficient, such as during fasting or exercise. This energy storage is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis, providing insulation to help regulate body temperature, and serving as a padding to protect internal organs. Other functions of adipose tissue include hormone production and regulation, which influence various metabolic processes; however, its primary role is indeed related to energy storage. The other choices pertain to functions performed by different types of tissues in the body. Muscle contraction is primarily the role of muscle tissue, bone formation is managed by bone tissue, and nerve conduction involves nerve tissue.