What is the function of brown adipose tissue?

The brown adipose tissue is located in fatty interscapular, supraclavicular, pericardial, para-aortic deposits, around the pancreas, kidneys and trachea, mainly.

Its main function is to regulate thermogenesis (heat production) and this is due to the fact that the highest percentage of brown tissue can be found in the thorax and abdomen. The mechanism by which it produces heat is because it dissipates the energy thus producing heat.

The adipose tissue, on the one hand, fulfills mechanical functions: one of them is to serve as a buffer, protecting and keeping in place the internal organs as well as other more external structures of the body, and also has metabolic or energy reserve functions since it is responsible for generating fats for the body. In addition we must also name the functions of thermal insulation (to maintain the proper body temperature of each individual)

The brown adipose tissue occupies a percentage in newborns since they need to fight the external temperature. In them it constitutes 2-5% of the body weight and is found between the scapulae, in the armpits, in the neck area and along the blood vessels. This percentage decreases as we grow.

The brown adipose is also an endocrine organ that secretes signaling factors that activate the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.