Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of body fat?

1. To provide insulation

2. To provide energy

3. To synthesize hormones

4. To facilitate digestion

The correct answer is: To provide energy

The primary function of body fat, also known as adipose tissue, is to provide energy. Fat serves as a dense source of energy storage, supplying the body with a reserve that can be utilized during times when food intake is insufficient or energy demands increase, such as during exercise or fasting. When the body requires energy, especially between meals or during prolonged physical activity, it mobilizes fatty acids from stored fat for use as fuel. While body fat does play roles in insulation and hormone synthesis, these functions are secondary to its primary role as an energy reservoir. Insulation helps to maintain body temperature, and hormones synthesized by fat cells, such as leptin, play important roles in regulating appetite and metabolism. However, the fundamental and most critical role of fat is to serve as an efficient energy storage mechanism, making it crucial for overall metabolic function and energy balance. The option regarding facilitating digestion is not directly related to the primary role of body fat.