Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

THE FUNCTIONS OF FATS 253
Thus, while some body fat is critical to our survival and good health, in large quantities it can
be a deterrent to maintaining good health.
Figure 5.3. Scanning electron micrograph of adipose tissue, showing adipocytes.
Computer-coloured orange.
Insulating and Protecting
The average body fat for a man is 18 to 24 percent and for a woman is 25 to 31 percent 1 ,
but adipose tissue can comprise a much larger percentage of body weight depending on
the degree of obesity of the individual. Some of this fat is stored within the abdominal
cavity, called visceral fat, and some is stored just underneath the skin, called subcutaneous
fat. Visceral fat protects vital organs—such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. The blanket layer
of subcutaneous fat insulates the body from extreme temperatures and helps keep the
internal climate under control. It pads our hands and buttocks and prevents friction, as these
areas frequently come in contact with hard surfaces. It also gives the body the extra padding
required when engaging in physically demanding activities such as ice skating, horseback
riding, or snowboarding.