Final answer:
Adipose tissue stores fat, primarily as triglycerides in adipocytes, which serves as an energy reserve, protects internal organs, and insulates the body. White adipose tissue provides most of this function with brown adipose tissue contributing to thermogenesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of fat that accumulates in adipose tissue is primarily in the form of triglycerides. These fats are stored in fat cells known as adipocytes, which serve multiple functions. This stored fat provides an energy reserve much like a savings account and also protects internal organs by acting as a cushion. Moreover, it insulates the body, aiding in temperature regulation. There are two types of adipose tissue: white and brown. White adipose tissue is the most abundant and is responsible for lipid storage, insulation, and protection, while brown adipose tissue, more common in infants, is involved in heat production through the process of thermogenesis.