Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What type of tissue is responsible for storing and metabolizing fat?

1. Connective tissue

2. Adipose tissue

3. Epithelial tissue

4. Muscle tissue

The correct answer is: Adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is specifically designed for the storage and metabolism of fat. It serves as an energy reserve and plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, cushioning organs, and providing insulation. The cells within adipose tissue, known as adipocytes, are specialized for storing lipids and can easily expand to accommodate increased fat storage. While connective tissue is a broader category that includes various types such as cartilage and bone, its primary function is to support, bind, and protect other tissues; it does not specifically focus on fat storage. Epithelial tissue primarily covers body surfaces and lines cavities, while muscle tissue is involved in contraction and movement; neither of these tissue types is specialized for fat storage and metabolism. Thus, it is adipose tissue that directly fulfills the role of fat storage and metabolic activity in the body.