Brown adipose connective tissue

At higher magnification, the numerous, small lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of the multilocular adipocytes are clearly evident. The spherical nuclei are centrally placed and minimal connective tissue is present between the cells. 1000x

At higher magnification, the numerous, small lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of the multilocular adipocytes are clearly evident. The spherical nuclei are centrally placed and minimal connective tissue is present between the cells. 1000x

The oxidation of lipids in most cells is coupled to the production of ATP in mitochondria. However, in multilocular adipocytes, metabolism of lipid generates heat in process known as non-shivering thermogenesis. This alternate path results from the presence of an uncoupling protein that which uncouples the oxidation of fatty acids from the production of ATP in the mitochondria.

This image is owned by Dr. Jose Luis Calvo and is used under a royalty-free agreement.