Subcutaneous fat of the trunk

Tela subcutanea trunci

Integumentary (skin)Fat & fasciaWhole body

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What it is

The hypodermis of the trunk: fat lobules separated by fibrous septa, split over the lower abdomen into a fatty superficial layer (Camper fascia) and a membranous deep layer (Scarpa fascia).

Function

Energy store, thermal insulation and shock absorber; also an endocrine organ secreting leptin and adiponectin.

Size

Typically 5–30 mm; thickest over the lower abdomen, flanks and buttocks

Clinical note

Men tend to store fat centrally (abdomen), women on the hips and buttocks; waist circumference is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than body weight.