Q.State one function of adipose tissue, the loose connective tissue whose cells are swollen with stored fat.

Loose connective tissue has cells and fibres loosely arranged within a semi-fluid matrix. Its most widespread representative, areolar tissue, is found beneath the skin and around most internal organs and blood vessels, where it attaches skin to underlying muscle and fills the space between organs, acting as packing and binding material. Areolar tissue contains fibroblasts (which secrete the collagen and elastin fibres embedded in the matrix), wandering macrophages (for defence) and mast cells (which release histamine). Adipose tissue is a specialised form of loose connective tissue whose cells, adipocytes, are so swollen with stored fat globules that the nucleus is pushed to one edge; adipose tissue serves as an energy reserve and cushions/insulates the body.