Adipose tissue is one of the many different types of connective tissue found in the human body. Connective tissue composes the |dermis| of the skin. Unlike the cells of the epithelial layer of the |epidermis|, which are crowded close together, the cells of connective tissue are scattered far apart with many |fibers| between them. Adipose tissue (fat cells) is a metabolically active tissue that stores fat and releases it in response to a variety of nervous and hormonal stimuli. It also acts as an insulator to help maintain body temperature and acts as a protective padding in certain areas. Adipose tissue is also found in bone |marrow|.
