Physiology

Question 1

Explain when adipocytes increase in size/number

Answer 1

Adipocytes increase in number: infancy, adolescence, pregnancy

Increase in size: with modest weight gain

Increase in size AND number: significant weight gain

(Hark, p. 17)

Question 2

What happens to adipocytes with weight loss?

Answer 2

Adipocytes decrease in size (but not number)

Hark, p. 17