Final answer:
Adipose tissue is responsible for storing available energy in the form of fat, mainly as triglycerides. There are two types: primarily white adipose tissue for storage and insulation, and brown adipose tissue for infant thermogenesis. Energy is released from fats stored in adipose tissue through the action of lipases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connective tissue known for storing available energy in the form of fat is called adipose tissue. This tissue primarily consists of fat storage cells, or adipocytes, which store triglycerides. During the fed state, surplus glucose can be converted into these triglycerides and stored in adipose tissue for later use. When energy is needed, lipases in adipose tissue hydrolyze the stored triglycerides, releasing glycerol and fatty acids into the bloodstream to be used by the body.
There are two types of adipose tissue: white adipose tissue, which provides lipid storage and can serve as insulation, and brown adipose tissue, which is more common in infants and has a thermogenic function. The process of releasing fatty acids as an energy source is supported by a large number of capillaries in adipose tissue, facilitating rapid mobilization of lipid molecules when the body requires energy.