Final answer:
Visceral fat is not located between the skin and muscles; that statement is false. It is actually located around internal organs in the abdominal cavity, and it contributes significantly to disease risk. The hypodermis or subcutaneous layer is below the skin and contains adipose tissue responsible for storing fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that visceral fat is located between the skin and muscles is false. Visceral fat is actually located in the abdominal cavity, surrounding the internal organs rather than under the skin which is the area of subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat contributes to disease risk because it releases hormones and inflammatory factors that are implicated in various health issues.
Measuring fat distribution such as waist circumference can provide an indication of visceral fat levels. A waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men and greater than 35 inches in women indicate higher health risks. This is because visceral fat is a better predictor of disease than total body fat mass.
The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is where most body fat that concerns weight management is found. This layer lies beneath the dermis and is composed of adipose tissue that insulates and protects, but it is not where visceral fat is located. Different types of body fat have different physiological impacts, influenced by factors like hormones and genetics.