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Adipocytes · Histology

What is the primary histological difference between white and brown adipocytes regarding their nuclei?

  1. White adipocytes are multinucleated with scattered peripheral nuclei; brown adipocytes are strictly mononucleated.
  2. White adipocyte nuclei are peripheral and flattened; brown adipocyte nuclei are more central and spherical.
  3. White adipocytes have no nucleus; brown adipocytes have a large central one.
  4. Nuclear morphology is identical in both white and brown adipocytes regardless of lipid content.
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Correct answer: White adipocyte nuclei are peripheral and flattened; brown adipocyte nuclei are more central and spherical.

In white fat, the single large lipid drop pushes the nucleus to the edge. In brown fat, the multiple small lipid droplets do not displace the nucleus as severely, leaving it in a more central, rounded position.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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