Fat body
- Pronunciation
- /FAT bo-dee/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Fat body
- Plural
- Fat bodies
Definition
The primary storage organ in insects, responsible for storing energy reserves, synthesizing and releasing hormones, and playing a role in detoxification.
Etymology
Derived from the visible fat deposits observed in the insect's body.
Example
The fat body of a larva stores energy reserves for metamorphosis.
Related Terms
- Adipose tissue
- Metamorphosis
- Hormones
Usage Notes
The fat body undergoes significant changes during insect development and can be composed of various cell types, including trophocytes.