Final answer:
Adipose tissue functions as insulation for the body, helping to conserve heat and maintain body temperature. It consists of adipocytes that store energy and provide protective cushioning, in which white adipose tissue contributes significantly to insulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adipose tissue, commonly known as body fat, is a type of connective tissue that plays several important roles in the body. One of these roles is insulation. Adipose tissue is made up of cells called adipocytes, which store fat in the form of triglycerides. These adipocytes serve not only as a reserve for energy metabolism but also provide insulation to maintain body temperature, particularly by conserving heat. This is particularly evident in white adipose tissue, the most abundant type, which contributes to lipid storage and helps protect against cold temperatures. Furthermore, brown adipose tissue, which is rich in mitochondria, generates heat by metabolizing fats which also contributes to the body's insulation.