FIG. 4. 



ADISPOSE TISSUE. 7 



ADIPOSE TISSUE. 



The fat was formerly supposed to 

 be a secretion from the cellula*r tis- 

 sue, and that its cells were the places 

 of deposit. The opinion of Hunter 

 and Beclard, that there was a dis- 

 tinct apparatus for this secretion, 

 the microscope now proves to be 

 correct. 



It reveals the vesicles or cells (fig. 

 4) entirely distinct from those of 

 the cellular tissue, in having no com- 

 munication, and by retaining the fat 

 in their sac-like shape, so as to com- 

 pletely prevent its changing its place, as is the case in the 

 fluids of the cellular tissue. 



The fat cells are found scattered at wide intervals, in the 

 cellular tissue, and also collected in clusters at different 

 points in this same structure. 



Indeed they are almost commensurate with the cellular 

 tissue, if we except the interior of the cranium, the ball of 

 the eye, the ear, the nose, the penis, the eyelids, and the 

 substance of glands, where they are wanting. 



The parietes of the fat vesicle are very delicate and sur- 

 rounded with blood vessels, forming a net work, from which 

 is secreted the fat deposited in the cell. 



The fat exhibits striking differences at different periods 

 of life. In the foetus and infancy, it is more liquid and 

 transparent than in the adult, when we find it more firm 

 and of a yellowish color. 



Its quantity, as regards position, is just the reverse in 

 certain organs in youth and adult age. 



The skin of the infant abounds with fat, causing the 

 roundness and plumpness so constant at this period while 

 observations show there is very little about the heart, 

 kidneys, omentum, rectum, and other internal parts. 



, FIG. 4. Exhibits the cells of adipose tissue magnified 135 diameters. 



