LIPOCYTES Meaning and
Definition
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Lipocytes are specialized cells found in the adipose tissue or fat cells of animals, including humans. These cells play a crucial role in the regulation of energy balance, as they are primarily responsible for storing and releasing fat. Lipocytes are spherical or oval-shaped cells with a large central vacuole that contains triglycerides, the main form of stored fat in the body. The cytoplasm of these cells is limited to a thin rim around the vacuole.
The primary function of lipocytes is to store excess energy in the form of triglycerides, which can be broken down and utilized as a fuel source when needed by the body. This energy storage mechanism allows lipocytes to act as insulation, providing thermal protection and cushioning of organs. Additionally, they play a role in the secretion of adipokines, hormones that regulate appetite, glucose metabolism, and inflammation.
Obesity occurs when the size and number of lipocytes increase due to a surplus of energy intake. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. However, lipocytes can also shrink in size when the body requires stored energy. Understanding the function and characteristics of lipocytes is essential in studying obesity and related metabolic disorders, as well as in developing treatments and interventions to promote healthy fat metabolism.
Common Misspellings for LIPOCYTES
- kipocytes
- pipocytes
- oipocytes
- lupocytes
- ljpocytes
- lkpocytes
- lopocytes
- l9pocytes
- l8pocytes
- lioocytes
- lilocytes
- li-ocytes
- li0ocytes
- lipicytes
- lipkcytes
- liplcytes
- lippcytes
- lip0cytes
- lip9cytes
- lipoxytes
Etymology of LIPOCYTES
The word "lipocytes" is not a widely recognized term in English, as it is not found in most dictionaries. However, it can be broken down into two parts: "lipo-" which means "fat", and "-cytes" which refers to cells.
The term "lipo-" is derived from the Greek word "lipos" meaning "fat". This root is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to anything related to fat. Examples include lipids (fatty substances) and liposuction (a surgical procedure to remove fat).
The suffix "-cytes" comes from the Greek word "kytos" meaning "container" or "cell". It is often used to denote specialization or a particular kind of cell. For instance, "leukocytes" are white blood cells, and "erythrocytes" are red blood cells.
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