Brown Adipocyte

A specialized type of adipocyte (fat cell) rich in mitochondria, primarily responsible for non-shivering thermogenesis (heat production) through the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.

Key Functions:

• Generates heat (thermogenesis) to maintain body temperature.
• Contains numerous small lipid droplets and many mitochondria.
• Expresses uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1).

Interacting Systems & Components:

• Adipocyte (type of)
• Adipose Tissue (component of)
• Mitochondrion (abundant in)
• Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) (expressed by)
• Metabolism (involved in energy expenditure)